It’s such an exciting time for English football…

Ahead of a big weekend of Euro 2020 qualifiers, Ray Parlour gives his thoughts on how some of the home nations will fare:

England vs. Czech Republic 

It’s such an exciting time for England. Lots of competition for places and so many good young players in the mix. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the likes of Jordan Sancho and Callum  Hudson Odoi and Declan Rice get on in the next couple of matches if they’re given some game time.

Czech Republic are not the side they were 15-20 years ago and I’d expect England to win this one comfortably at Wembley. 

England 2-0 Czech Republic @ 33/10

Montenegro vs. England

England are usually very strong in qualifying and I expect them to pick up all three points from their first away trip of the campaign. Montenegro shouldn’t be taken lightly as they’ve had some decent results in the past but with the likes of Kane and Sterling leading the line, I fancy England to win well in an entertaining match. 3-1 England. 

England to win @ 1/2

Gibraltar vs. Republic of Ireland

Gibraltar have definitely improved since they first came onto the international scene, but if you’d asked Mick McCarthy who he’d have wanted to kick off against in his second spell as Ireland manager, and this wouldn’t have been far off his ideal pick. 

I think Mick’s experience will help get the best out of the Irish squad and while there will be tougher tests to come, I’ll go with a 3-0 or 4-0 win for them in this one. 

Ireland to win by 3+ goals @ 20/43

Wales vs. Slovakia

Wales will be favourites being at home but Slovakia have got plenty of experience and this will be a tricky one. They need a performance from the likes of Bale and Ramsey and if they get that, they’ll win this one. 

I think Slovakia will score but Wales will pull through and if they can get off to a winning start at home, that’ll be massive. 

Wales to win @ 11/10

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