Bukayo Saka, Edin Dzeko

England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips | Int’l Friendlies

Arnav Kholkar

England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Match Preview

England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina will be played as an International Friendly at St. James’ Park in Newcastle on June 3 as several nations go head-to-head in friendlies ahead of the Euro 2024.

The Three Lions will enter this contest on the back of a decent run of form. They have lost just one game across competitions out of the eight they have played, recording four wins and three draws in the other seven matches. In that time, they have scored 13 goals and conceded seven, keeping just two clean sheets along the way. Despite being winless in their last three outings, England will be confident of getting a result against weaker opposition especially on home soil.

Bosnia, on the other hand, will enter this contest on the back of a poor run of form. They have managed just two wins in their last eight games across competitions, losing each of the other six. In that time, they have conceded 17 goals and scored just seven goals. Despite being in such poor form they have somehow managed to keep one clean sheet. However, since they did not qualify for the Euros, they have lesser pressure to perform and can experiment with some players and tactics ahead of next season’s UEFA Nations League.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news for both sides.

Team News

England

Manager Gareth Southgate announced a 33-man provisional squad for these upcoming friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by a game against Iceland as preparation for the upcoming Euro 2024.

He has picked most of the stars in the squad, with midfielder Jordan Henderson being the most high-profile snub as the former Liverpool midfielder has been left out. Adam Wharton, Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah all received their first-ever senior call-ups for England as Southgate looks to integrate youth along with experience.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Manager Savo Milosevic has the perfect opportunity to experiment with his players as the team have not qualified for the Euros. They will also play Italy following their game against England.

He has included most of the stars, including captain Edin Dzeko, Europa League winner Sead Kolasinac, Miralem Pjanic as well as Anel Ahmedhodzic.

Predicted Lineups

England

Southgate will have the opportunity to try out different players and perhaps a new formation ahead of the Euros. Players likely to get ample game-time are Kobbie Mainoo, Jarrad Branthwaite and Curtis Jones.

Predicted XI: Dean Henderson (GK); Kyle Walker, John Stones, Jarrad Branthwaite, Joe Gomez; Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham; Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane (C), Phil Foden.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Milosevic will likely start a full-strength team against the Three Lions.

Predicted XI: Ibrahim Sehic (GK); Anel Ahmedhodzic, Dennis Hadzikadunic, Sead Kolasinac; Amar Dedic, Gojko Cimirot, Rade Krunic, Jusuf Gazibegovic; Haris Hajradinovic; Edin Dzeko (C), Ermedin Demirovic.

England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Head-to-Head Record

The upcoming fixture will be the first to be played between senior men’s teams of these two nations.

Prediction

Considering England have the better players, they will be the outright favourites to win this game. Playing at one of the loudest grounds in England in St. James’ Park will also do the Three Lions a world of good as they will look to get the ball rolling with a win.

Bosnia are no pushovers, though, and will dig deep and defend with 11 men behind the ball when the time calls for it. However, the hosts should have too much in their arsenal for their visitors and will secure the win.

Prediction: England 3-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Betting Tips & Odds

Since these nations have never played each other before, a lack of history to go by will add an extra edge to this game as neither side has past games to look back on against one another. Due to this, there is a high chance both teams will score and it could be a high-scoring game.

However, England have too many quality players to even be on the losing end in this contest. Expect the likes of Kane, Saka and Foden to try and take the initiative of scoring goals at every opportunity.

Tips

  • Both Teams to Score – Yes: 2.28
  • Match Total – Over 3.5 Goals: 2.25
  • To Score in Both Halves – England: 1.70

Match Odds

  • England Win: 1.16
  • Draw: 7.50
  • Bosnia Win: 17.50

England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Timings & Telecast

  • Date & Time: Monday, June 3 at 7:45 PM (GMT).
  • UK: Channel 4.
  • India: SonyLIV.

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