England vs Republic of Ireland: predictions, preview and odds

England warm up for their pivotal Nations League clashes with Belgium and Iceland on Thursday as they welcome the Republic of Ireland to Wembley for a friendly encounter.

The visitors also have Nations League fixtures to keep in mind, but Stephen Kenny’s men have performed dismally in the tournament and will be hoping to pull off a monumental shock in midweek.

England will be looking for an instant recovery from their dismal 1-0 loss to Denmark last time out as they host the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night.

The Three Lions were criticised for their below-par performance in their Nations League clash and will see this as an important encounter ahead of a meeting with Belgium on Sunday.

Reason for England vs Republic of Ireland predictions:

• Under 2.5 goals were scored in 18 of Ireland’s last 19 competitive matches.
• England and Ireland drew four of their last five encounters.
• Under 2.5 goals were scored in each of the last seven meetings between these teams.
• Under 2.5 goals were scored in three of England’s last five games.

England were on a seven-game undefeated streak before losing to Denmark and will hope that result proves to be nothing more than a blip.

Ireland, meanwhile, are without a win in six and the Three Lions can take advantage and pick up a victory.

The Republic of Ireland are on a dreadful run of form and haven’t won a game since a 3-1 friendly win against New Zealand in November 2019.

Since then there have been three draws and three defeats, and while defensively Ireland have shown promise, they have struggled in attack, scoring just twice during that spell.

Like in their friendly with Wales last month, England could make a raft of changes for this friendly fixture against neighbours Republic of Ireland, with more important Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Belgium just a few days away.

The Republic of Ireland have work to do in their Nations League group, havign picked up just two points from their first four games.

Fans can expect to see much-changed starting XI’s with England’s and Ireland’s Nations League fixtures of paramount importance to both managers. The Three Lions have struggled to beat Ireland in recent times, but even with a number of their star attackers rested for this one, Southgate’s men should prove too strong for the Boys in Green.

Our Prediction: Over 2.5 (Goal Line) @ 1.88