How are England preparing for the World Cup in Russia?
This summer’s World Cup is just over three weeks away, and Gareth Southgate’s England once again carry the hopes of a nation.
Ahead of the Three Lions’ tilt at glory, we have all the need-to-know info…
What’s their friendly prep?
Southgate’s men play two friendly games before jetting off to Russia.
England host Nigeria at Wembley on 2nd June, before meeting 2014 groupmates Costa Rica at Elland Road on 7th June.
It’s possible the latter game could be the first of two meetings between England and La Sele within a month. That’s because this year’s grouping means they could meet the Costa Ricans in the Quarter-Finals.
Who do they face in Russia?
England’s first game of Group G comes against Tunisia on 18th June. The pair’s last meeting was at World Cup 1998, with current boss Southgate playing the full 90 minutes.
That’s followed on 24th June by a meeting with World Cup debutants Panama at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
The final group game for the Three Lions comes against Belgium, who reached the last eight in Brazil four years ago.
When do they fly and where are they staying?
Southgate and co. jet off to Russia six days ahead of their opening game, on 12th June.
Their base is the ForRestMix Club, a hotel in the village of Reprino – 19 miles from St. Petersburg.
England will be doing some serious travelling. Their first game is in Volgograd, a full 1,264 miles away from the final group game in Kaliningrad.
The odds
It all starts against Tunisia, with 4/11 for England to begin with a win.
Ahead of the tournament, the odds make England 5/4 to win Group G, while it’s 1/7 they reach the Round of 16.
Southgate’s charges are 14/1 to lift the trophy, while star striker Harry Kane at 16/1 is the Three Lions’ most likely man for the Golden Boot.
Click here for the latest World Cup odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
