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May 19th , 2024

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ENGLAND LOOKING FORWARD TO SECURING A WIN IN NATIONS LEAGUE TIE

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A year ago

The long summer Nations League schedule comes to an end today, but the exhausted players will have to keep their focus for a number of crucial matches before heading off on vacation.

 

When England hosts Hungary, Germany and Italy go head-to-head in Monchengladbach, while Poland seeks revenge against Belgium after last week's 6-1 humiliation.

 

Hungary vs. England (7.45pm BST)

 

Runners-up in Euro 2020 England's Nations League campaign has not started well, but the match against Hungary at home gives Gareth Southgate's side a chance to win for the first time.

 

Molineux will be completely sold out, a far cry from the 3,000 tickets available for the Three Lions' 0-0 draw with Italy on Saturday.

 

Outside of Harry Kane, who should return after being rested against the Azzurri, Southgate has criticised his team's lack of forward desire, and a narrow home win in a low-scoring match is the most likely scenario.

 

Kane has scored in six of his previous eight England appearances and is the clear choice to break the deadlock, with a 2-0 home victory expected.

 

Hungary's games are usually light on action in the final third, with only eight goals scored in their last five games.

 

 

Italy vs. Germany (7.45pm BST)

 

There is a pattern in Germany's matches, and it could continue against Italy, with Hansi Flick's side looking for their fifth straight draw.

 

Die Mannschaft's previous four matches — against the Netherlands, Italy, England, and Hungary — have all ended in a 1-1 draw, and Flick's side will need to tighten up if they are to be regarded serious World Cup contenders in Qatar later this year.

 

 

 

In their last two games against Hungary and England, the hosts have allowed 13 shots on target, indicating that Flick's desire to be a high-pressing unit is not without risk.

 

 

 

The Nations League is more important to the visitors now that the European champions have failed to qualify for the World Cup and may be satisfied with their results.

 

 

 

With draws against Germany and England, as well as a 2-1 win over Hungary, Roberto Mancini's side are in a strong position to win the group if they avoid defeat at Borussia-Park.

 

 

Belgium vs. Poland (7.45pm BST)

 

Last week, Robert Lewandowski scored the game's first goal against Belgium.

 

Last week, Robert Lewandowski scored the game's first goal against Belgium.

 

In Warsaw, vengeance will be in the air as Poland looks to upset Belgium and tip the form table on its head.

 

Only a week ago, the Red Devils thrashed the Poles 6-1, despite the scoreline appearing to be favourable due to four goals in the final 17 minutes.

 

Poland seized the lead thanks to Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who was rested for Saturday's 2-2 draw away to the Netherlands.

 

Czesaw Michniewicz's side took an early lead — this time 2-0 — before being pegged back, but it was still a good result against improving opponents.

 

Belgium was crushed 4-1 by the Dutch and then held to a 1-1 draw by Wales at the weekend, adding to the evidence that this tournament isn't high on the priority list.

 

Republic of Ireland vs Ukraine (7.45pm BST)

 

On Tuesday, Ukraine will face the Republic of Ireland in Lodz in the first of two matches in Poland.

 

Ukraine has responded admirably to missing out on a World Cup spot to Wales by defeating Ireland 1-0 and Armenia 3-0, and another win appears to be on the cards today.

 

On Saturday, the Boys in Green defeated Scotland 3-0, but manager Stephen Kenny is determined to develop a new generation, which comes with inconsistency, as evidenced by a loss in Armenia earlier this month.

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