In a highly anticipated friendly match, England is set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina at Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park on Monday evening.
This match serves as one of two pre-Euro 2024 warm-up games for the Three Lions, who are preparing for a significant bid for international success in Germany this summer.
England’s Form and Team News
Current Form
England enters this friendly with high expectations, having navigated their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign without a single defeat.
They aim to emulate their female counterparts who conquered the continent in 2022.
England’s recent form has been impressive, with three wins, two draws, and one loss in their last six games.
Team News
England will be without some key players due to recent club commitments. Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and Kobbie Mainoo will not participate, and Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, and John Stones are also set to miss out.
This opens opportunities for fringe players like Marc Guehi, Lewis Dunk, Eberechi Eze, and Adam Wharton to make an impact.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Form and Team News
Current Form
Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the other hand, have had a challenging period.
They failed to secure a spot in the Euro 2024 tournament, finishing second from bottom in their qualification group.
Their recent form is concerning, with four consecutive losses in their last outings.
Team News
Under the new management of Sergej Barbarez, Bosnia will be looking to start fresh.
Captain Edin Dzeko, their all-time leading scorer, will lead the team despite their recent struggles.
However, they will miss Sead Kolasinac due to injury and Ermin Bicakcic due to an ankle concern.
Predicted Lineups
England’s Possible Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Pickford
Defenders: Konsa, Dunk, Guehi, Trippier
Midfielders: Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Gallagher
Forwards: Palmer, Watkins, Eze
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Possible Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Vasilj
Defenders: Ahmedhodzic, Hadzikadunic, Mujakic
Midfielders: Gazibegovic, Krunic, Tahirovic, Omerovic
Forwards: Hajradinovic, Demirovic, Dzeko
Prediction
Despite potential experimentation by Gareth Southgate, we’re expecting England to have a comfortable victory.
The Three Lions have a strong squad depth and the motivation for fringe players to try and secure a spot in the Euro 2024 squad.
In contrast, Bosnia’s recent form and the transition under a new manager suggest they may struggle.
Our Prediction: England 2-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
