Bet on England vs. Spain at UEFA Nations League Opening Week

The Three Lions will be the home side on first week of Nations League. Probably, the nation will welcome Southgate’s men as heroes when they step into the pitch on September 08. Yet their odds are very similar to the guests who faced turmoil in Russia. According to Unibet Sportsbook, the odds are 7/4 for England to win the match, Spain stand at 17/10, and a draw values at 11/5. To put the odds in perspective, the appointment of Luis Enrique as new boss of La Roja and Spain’s youthful squad might turn things around and make England suffer.

Spain Will be on Their Toes

England vs. Spain head-to-head record in last 22 years shows the Three Lions having the upper hand. They won three times, while La Roja won only once, and a (2-2) draw was the result of their last meeting in November 2016. England have achieved their best result at a major tournament in more than two decades by reaching the semi-final in Russia, whereas Spain failed to go further than the last 16 in any of their last three major tournament appearances. Yet according to best online betting sites in the United Kingdom, this game might end in both ways, with Spain slightly better shaped than England.

Enrique is expected to apply the possession-based tactic and take a control of the game to paralyze Southgate’s men.

First of all, the appointment of Luis Enrique who won nine titles in three seasons with Barcelona will definitely add new philosophy to the team. He is expected to apply the possession-based tactic and take a control of the game, which might paralyze Southgate’s men – who are already unpopular in the midfield. Secondly the incentive among Spanish players is high, as they will be on their toes to restore their reputation after the last-16 hurdle against Russia, while England will be more relaxed, as they still celebrate their World Cup semi-final achievement.

Spain to Start Nations League with Youthful Squad

According to online sportsbook news in the United Kngdom, Luis Enrique has been reshaping the whole squad since taking charge of the national team in July. He recalled all of Chelsea duos: Alvaro Morata and Marcos Alonso, Barca’s Sergio Roberto and Sergio Busquets, and Real’s Dani Ceballos. Whereas, Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal, Barca’s Jordi Alba, and Real’s Lucas Vazquez failed to win a place in the squad, not to mention the retirement of Iniesta, Silva and Pique. Therefore, we shall expect a totally new team in the Nations League.

On the other hand, the Three Lions will have very similar squad as the one reached the semis in Russia. Southgate brought only five new players, due to the retirement of Gary Cahill, Jamie Vardy and Ashley Young, and the injury of Nick Pope and Phil Jones. According to the Independent, Southgate lately bemoaned his dwindling options, as English players suffer from lack of game time in Premier League, which might also be a strong reason for a potential underperformance of England in the Nations League.