Match of the week: England v Norway

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Roy Hodgson is building up a new national team after the departure of experienced Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Young. Now, a new squad is facing Norway in this season's first friendly.

England v Norway

International Friendly
Wembley Stadium
03-09-2014 @ 20.00 BST








How are the two sides form?

England - once again - had a terrible World Cup finals, losing against Italy and Uruguay, and only getting one point against Costa Rica. Since then, some of the England legends have stepped back and new upcoming hopes are set to take over.

Norway did not qualify for the World Cup, and had a quiet summer, before playing against the United Arab Emirates last week. The match ended in a goalless draw.

What are the probable line-ups?

It is an England squad with only a few players from the World Cup, why we can expect some new faces in the line up. 

Hart

Baines - Chambers - Cahill - Rose

Oxlade-Chamberlain - Wilshere - Delph - Sterling

Rooney

Welbeck
________________________________________________

Pedersen - Gulbrandsen

Skjelbred - Tettey - Johansen - Elyounoussi

Høgli - Forren - Reginiussen - Linnes

Jarstein

Worth keeping an eye on

England: With Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard gone, Jack Wilshere is expected to step up and take responsibility on the England midfield. The match against Norway is a great time to start.

Norway: Per Ciljan Skjelbred was one of Norways greatest talents a few seasons back, but his career did not turn out as hoped for. Now the 27-year old has his career back on track and is one of the most important players for Norway.

What to expect from this match?

The Norwegian national team is not what it was in the past, and they are struggling to get good results. On the other hand, England performed poorly during the World Cup and with a new generation of players, the expectations are not high. However, on paper England have a much stronger team, and players with more international class and experience. England should win this match.

What are the odds?

England: 4/7 (BetFair)

Draw: 16/5 (Bet365)

Norway: 15/2 (BETVICTOR)






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Match of the Week: England v Denmark

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England takes on Denmark in the first of their friendlies towards the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. England v Denmark at Wembley is the match of the week.


England v Denmark

International Friendly
Wembley 
05-03-2014 @ 20.00 UK








How are the the two teams form?

England have lost their last two matches at Wembley - 0-1 to Germany and 0-2 to Chile - but as on Wednesday those two matches were friendlies. As Roy Hodgson is preparing for the World Cup we might see an alternative starting line-up against Denmark, why the earlier results does't matter. 

Denmark won 3-2 by a hattrick of Martin Jørgensen last time they visited Wembley, back in 2003. Since then, Denmark and England have played twice with a win to each side. 4-1 to Denmark in 2005 and 2-0 to England in 2011. 

What are the probable line-ups?

While England is preparing for the World Cup, Morten Olsen is trying out new players for the EURO 2016 qualifications, why we might see alternative line-ups from both sides.

Hart

Shaw - Cahill - Smalling - Johnson

Carrick - Gerrard

Wilshere - Rooney - Oxlade-Chamberlain

Sturridge
_______________________________________

Bendtner

Olsen - Eriksen - Krohn-Dehli

Kvist - Zimling

Ankersen - Kjær - Agger - Jacobsen

Andersen

What to expect from this match?

The last four matches between the two nations have resulted in two wins and eight goals to each side. It is, therefore, hard to predict how this match will go, but on paper England are favorites. In fact, Denmark has not less than 11 Danish Superliga players in the squad compared to the English with only one player not playing in the Premier League. That said, Denmark has surprised against England before and will give it a go on Wembley, especially because a number of players are trying to convince Morten Olsen that they should be a part of the future Danish team. The same goes for England where every player will be battling for a place in the World Cup squad. I expect to see a lot of substitutes during the match, which might affect the flow of the match, but it should still be a very good performance. 

What are the odds?

Totesport has England as favorites with a 4/6 bet while youwin only gives a 11/2 on Denmark to win at Wembley. 

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Match of the Week: England - Brazil

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England is meeting Brazil on Wednesday; a match between two of the best football nations in the world.


England - Brazil
International Friendly
Wembley Stadium
06-02-2013 @ 19.30 GMT

How are the two teams form?

Last time England was in action Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent them home with a 4-2 loss against Sweden. The Brits will do whatever they can to it up for the fans with a win against Brazil; however, it might be a difficult task. The last four matches between the two nations have ended in a single draw and three victories to Brazil.

Brazil's last match was against the rivals from Argentina. The match was quite a goal show with a 5-5 after 90 minutes and a 2-1 victory to Argentina after penalties. This is the only friendly Brazil has lost in 5 matches.

What is the probable starting XI?

It is always hard to predict a starting XI in friendly matches as the manager often tries some new players. However, this match is a chance, for England to compare themselves to one of the best national teams in the world. Last week, Arsenal's Theo Walcott revealed that he hoped to play the striker role for England, and this might be the match for Hodgson to try him out.

New Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has recalled some of the old guards for this match. Both Julio Cesar and Ronaldinho are to be found in the squad for the match against England on Wednesday.

Hart

Johnson - Jagielka - Cahill - Cole

Carrick - Gerrard

Rooney - Wilshere - Lennon

Walcott
_____________________________

Hulk - Neymar - Fred

Ramires - Paulinho - Oscar

Andriano - Dante - Luiz - Alves

Alves

What to expect from this match?

As mentioned before, England has to show their fans that the Sweden match was an one time blur. However, Brazil is a good team and have within the last couple of years shipped a couple of players to the Premier League.

By any means, Brazil looks as the strongest team in this match; the better pace and better technique than England. Mean while, England might be strong enough defensive to keep the strong Brazilian attacking line, and at the same time have their chances.

I don't believe we will see a goal show in this match as both teams will be precautious not to take any risks. At the same time, we must keep in mind that this is a friendly, why we will see a lot of substitutions lowering the level of the match.


What are the odds?

Brazil as winners gives a 7/5 at William Hill while a draw gives 9/4 at Coral. If you believe England will win, you should place your bet at StanJames to 5/2.



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