England vs Greece Prediction and Betting Tips | October 10th 2024

England play host to Greece in a UEFA Nations League game at Wembley Stadium this Thursday. Both of these sides won their first two games in League B's Group 2 last month, beating the Republic of Ireland and Finland. Greece currently top the standings after scoring five goals to England's four.

So when the two group leaders go head-to-head this week, who will come out on top?

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England vs Greece Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

• Historically, England have dominated games against Greece. They have beaten this week's opponents on seven occasions dating back to 1971, and have never lost to them in nine meetings. Their most recent game came back in a 2006 friendly and saw the Three Lions win 4-0.
• The most famous match between these sides, of course, took place in October 2001 and ended in a 2-2 draw. This was the game that saw Greece take a 1-2 lead, only for David Beckham to equalise with a last-gasp free-kick, sending England to the 2002 World Cup.
• Greece were impressive in beating both Ireland and Finland last month, but their record against Europe's better sides in recent years has not been good. They have lost to highly ranked opponents like Spain, France, Germany and the Netherlands in the last two years, although they also drew a game with France last November.
• England brushed aside the same teams as Greece did last month to give Lee Carsley a positive start as interim manager. The U21 boss has these UEFA Nations League games to prove his worth, and has not named any uncapped players in the squad this time around.
• Carsley may have to do without captain and top scorer Harry Kane in this match, though. It was confirmed on England's official X earlier today that the Bayern Munich striker was forced to train alone after picking up a knock at the weekend. That may mean either Dominic Solanke or Ollie Watkins could start this game in his absence.

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England vs Greece Prediction

Even without Harry Kane, England should probably be confident of a win here. This match may prove to be more of a test than the Republic of Ireland or Finland were, but overall, it's hard to imagine Lee Carsley's side having too many problems.

In fact, unlike Finland, who approached their game with England in a low-block formation, Greece may look to attack a little more, which could leave gaps at the back for the Three Lions to exploit.

This should, then, be another chance for Carsley to lay down a marker, and while it may not be a heavy score, England should expect to come out on top.

Prediction: England 2-0 Greece

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England vs Greece Betting Tips

Tip 1: Result - England to win.

Tip 2: England to score at least two goals - Yes (England have scored at least two goals in their last three games against Greece).

Tip 3: England to keep a clean sheet - Yes (England have looked defensively solid in recent games, keeping two clean sheets in their last two games, and Greece could also be without their main striker Fotis Ioannidis through injury, as confirmed by the Sun).