Hungary – England

Hungary can play open football against England

Hungary take on England at home on Saturday 4 June. The home team made a largely unexpected break into the top sixteen. The Hungarians came from first place out of a tight group with Russia, Turkey and Serbia. World Cup qualification did not work out for the national team. Hungary were in the group with England, with Poland coming in second. The opponents were too strong, but the Hungarians managed to beat the Poles away and snag a draw against the English. The Hungarian are largely dependent on their main star in attack, Dominik Soboslai. The 21-year-old Leipzig player has been plagued by injuries in 2021. This has had an impact on the national team as well. There are no other players of comparable talent and skill in the Hungarian national team. England lost first place in the group to Belgium in the last Nations League. Gareth Southgate's side, meanwhile, qualified for the World Cup with confidence. They avoided defeat at the key moments of the tournament. The European vice-champions are considered one of the favourites for the upcoming World Cup. The English have a world-class star in almost every position, and there are enough players in the attack for three teams. Suffice it to say that Sancho and Rashford were left out of the squad this time. Of the newcomers, West Ham forward Bowen attracts attention. The main complaint about Gareth Southgate's England squad is their dull style of play. For the most part, the team is fearful even against weaker opponents. With top teams they almost always act second best, but are very reliable in defence. In the Nations League, you can expect experiments and relaxations. Plus, the fatigue factor is important. After a busy season it is difficult to expect total concentration. The bookmakers give obvious odds for this encounter. You can't argue that England are clear favourites. Hungary know how to act in the second leg. The team was memorable at the European Championships, when it resisted Germany, France and Portugal with dignity. The price of the match is lower now. Hungary are the obvious underdogs in this group. They have Germany and Italy ahead of them. It is logical to assume that, at home, the Hungarians will still try to please the spectators a little bit with their courage. The English might also depart from the usual Southgate canon. There could be line-up changes and mistakes amid fatigue. The bookmakers are predicting a win in class from England with a minimum score. They are predicting at least three goals. Hungary's Soboslályi is in fighting form, while England are capable of hitting the total on their own.