England v Republic of Ireland: Prediction, Tips and Odds

England are back in control of UEFA Nations League Group B2 after their resounding 3-0 victory in Greece on Thursday and they should secure promotion to the top tier of the competition by beating the Republic of Ireland at Wembley.

The Three Lions were hit by a raft of high-profile withdrawals from their squad prior to the trip to Athens but Lee Carsley’s side showed a professional attitude and their replacements grasped the opportunity they were given with both hands.

Winning at any cost is all that will matter to stand-in manager Carsley and they should conclude with victory against the Boys in Green, who are already assured of third place.

There is pride at stake, though, and Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side will want to avenge September's 2-0 defeat to England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Ireland would love to halt England from progressing to the top tier of the Nations League but they may ultimately lack the quality to live with the Three Lions who, despite missing a lot of personnel, still have an array of stars at their disposal.

England v Republic of Ireland betting tips and predictions

England to win & under 2.5 goals - 21/10

England are a short price for victory at 2/9 but, even accounting for their long list of absentees, they should still have too much talent for their Wembley visitors.

Three points is all that matters at this stage of the competition and that pressure to get the job done, combined with Ireland’s steely defence, means it may be hard-fought rather than emphatic.

What the visitors lack in quality they make up for in fight and desire and manager Hallgrimsson will have his side set up to frustrate the Three Lions.

England have kept clean sheets in three of their last five internationals, which features that 2-0 victory in Dublin in September, and they will be expected to keep the Boys in Green at bay.

Ireland lack the firepower to cause too many problems for England - they have failed to score in six of their last nine international matches - so keeping things tight and compact will be the aim.

In three of Ireland’s last four Nations League fixtures the opening goal was scored after the 45th minute and, with eight of their last 11 internationals going under 2.5 goals, it means this could be low-scoring.

England may have won 3-0 in Greece last time out but their opening two home matches in the Nations League against Finland and the Greeks were both goalless at the break.

So Carsley’s much-changed side may have to adopt the patient approach and Ireland may be content to perform a damage limitation exercise on English soil.

That makes England to win 1-0 or 2-0 the approach to take, which has been the outcome in two of their last four successes.

Harry Kane to score first - 12/5

Having only been introduced from the bench in the victory in Greece, Carsley has confirmed captain Harry Kane as a guaranteed starter in this must-win encounter.

Kane has netted 11 times in 10 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern Munich this season, while adding five more from four Champions League matches, and he should find the challenge represented by Ireland’s defence much easier than he usually tackles.

The England skipper can lead by example and set England on their way to victory, which would take his tally to 69 goals from 103 caps.

Jayson Molumby to be shown a card - 8/5

With Josh Knight set to serve a one-match suspension, West Brom’s Jayson Molumby looks set to deputise and he may find it difficult adjusting to the pace and quality of England.

The Three Lions have a lot of talent in their midfield, bolstered by Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham, and the tough-tackling midfielder could struggle to escape the referee’s attention.

Molumby was booked in the return fixture at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and his job will be to stop England playing and retrieve possession, something which could come at a cost.

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England v Republic of Ireland odds

England - 2/9
Draw - 19/4
Republic of Ireland - 14/1

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.