Preview: England v Montenegro, team news, betting tips & score prediction

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England take on Montenegro this evening knowing a positive result will be enough to book their place at Euro 2020 next summer.

Gareth Southgate’s pre-match preparations have been overshadowed by a bust-up between Raheem Sterling and Joe Gomez. The two were involved in an altercation during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Manchester City last weekend and things kicked off again when they met-up at the England camp on Monday.

Sterling has been axed for tonight’s game after trying to grab Gomez by the throat and getting him in a headlock – leaving the Liverpool star with a scratch to his face – so Southgate will be without once of his key players.

However, England will still be confident of beating a poor Montenegro side at Wembley. The Three Lions sit three points clear at the top of Group A after winning five of their six qualifiers so far meaning they need just one point from their last two games so book their place in the finals.

Team news

Leicester City’s James Maddison will be hoping to earn his full debut after being called-up to the squad following his excellent start to the season while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also been rewarded for his fine recent form with a call-up to the squad.

Manchester City defender John Stones will be hoping to feature after being call-up instead of Everton’s Michael Keane but Tyrone Mings is expected to start alongside Harry Maguire this evening.

Chelsea’s Mason Mount is in contention after overcoming an ankle injury but Ross Barkley, Fabian Delph and Tom Heaton have all been forced to return to their clubs due to injury issues.  Jordan Henderson will miss the game through suspension so he’ll be on the sidelines with former Liverpool team-mate Sterling.

Expected line-up: Pickford; Trippier, Maguire, Mings, Chilwell; Winks, Mount, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Sancho, Kane, Rashford

Betting tips

England are the huge 1/20 odds-on favourites to win the game so it’s going to be tough to find value. The draw is available at 13/1 while you can get a staggering 40/1 on Montenegro but it’s difficult to see past an England win. The Three Lions have scored at least four goals in each of their last five qualifiers so over 3.5 goals looks a good bet at odds of 17/20. A 4-0 England is available at 6/1. These odds will change closer to kick-off and you can bet from anywhere these days via your smartphone so check out the latest betting apps on BettingWorx to place your bets on your mobile if you’re out and about later.

Score prediction

England won 5-1 in Montenegro and thrashed Bulgaria 6-0 last time out so they’ll be confident of securing a comfortable win on home soil. Southgate’s side have a formidable record in qualifying games and Montenegro are playing for nothing as they sit second from bottom of the group on just three points having won none of their last nine qualifiers.

England need just a point to qualify for Euro 2020 but they’ll be desperate for all three points to secure top spot and ensure they are seeds for next summer’s tournament. I think the hosts will ease to victory tonight and I’m predicting a 4-0 England win.

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