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Hungary vs England: Three Lions to face a stern test in Budapest

Following their Euro 2020 final disappointment, England return to action as they look to maintain their push for World Cup qualification.

When: Thursday, September 2, 7:45PM BST

Where: Puskas Arena

How to watch: ITV

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best bets

Draw at 10/3

Both teams to score at 11/8

England to take the first corner at 1/2

Harry Kane to score first at 5/2

On paper, Gareth Southgate will go down as one of the most successful England managers since Alf Ramsey. A World Cup semi-final followed by a third-place finish in the inaugural UEFA Nations League and a silver medal in the recent Euros - few have been able to achieve such results.

But despite this, there is a growing feeling of underachievement in the England camp.

Considering the amount of talent Southgate has to his disposal, the Three Lions should expect to progress into the business end of tournaments. However, does the England boss possess enough tactical nous to prevail in championship winning games? So far, the answer has been no.

England will resume their hunt for silverware when they take on Hungary in the ongoing 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Southgate's men are the overwhelming favourites at 2/5 which is a surprisingly short price considering Hungary's formidable showing at the Euros.

The Magyars were drawn in the group of death and came within minutes of qualification to the knockout stages. Marco Rossi's men were able to hold France to a draw before taking Germany to the edge of elimination - ultimately conceding a late equaliser in a 2-2 result.

Hungary and Poland are arguably England's biggest challengers in this World Cup qualifying group. However, with the Poles already falling to a defeat at Wembley, it's the Hungarians who pose the immediate threat.
A win for the hosts in Budapest would certainly make things interesting in a group which the Three Lions are expected to dominate.
Looking at the outright betting, England bring little value to the table. Hungary, on the other hand, haven't beaten England since 1962 and are still considered as the heavy underdogs.

With that in mind, the draw looks the best way to go at around the 10/3 mark. Hungary have drawn five of their last ten games and they're certainly capable of frustrating Southgate's men.

Last three matches

England 2-1 Hungary (Friendly - August 11, 2010)
Fabio Capello was the man in charge of England last time they clashed with Hungary.

Two goals from Steven Gerrard helped the Three Lions to victory as Phil Jagielka's own goal prevented Joe Hart from keeping a clean sheet.

England 3-1 Hungary (Friendly - May 30, 2006)
Gerrard was again on the scoresheet as England romped to a more reassuring victory back in 2006.

The Liverpool man kicked off the scoring in the 47th minute as John Terry added a second moments later.

Pal Dardai got a goal back for the visitors but there was no late comeback as Peter Crouch added a late third goal for the Three Lions.
Hungary 1-1 England (Friendly - April 28, 1999)
The last time England travelled away to Budapest, Kevin Keegan was in the managerial hot seat.
But despite the Three Lions taking a first-half lead through Alan Shearer, they were unable to hold out for the win.
Instead, a 76th minute equaliser from Janos Hrutka secured Hungary's second ever draw with England.

Last ten head-to-heads

Hungary wins: 0
Draws: 2
England wins: 8
Hungary goals: 3
England goals: 17

Far from the powerhouse of old - but still dangerous

Hungary are far from the golden years of the 1950s but they still shouldn't be underestimated.

Marco Rossi's men have only suffered one defeat from their last 14 games - one less than England.
What's more, the Hungarians have taken on some strong opponents during that time including Germany (2-2), France (1-1), Poland (3-3), Turkey (2-0) and Russia (0-0).

This is far from a walk in the park for the Three Lions and the both teams to score bet is certainly worth consideration at around the 11/8 mark.

England prone to slip ups away from home

Over the last two years, England have slipped up away from home on a couple of occasions.

The 2-1 defeat to the Czech Republic was definitely one of those results. The bore 0-0 draw with Denmark back in 2020 can also be added to that list.
Nevertheless, Gareth Southgate has enough quality in his side to make sure that doesn't happen on Thursday.

The squad is blessed with numerous young attacking players who will be looking for a response after the heartbreak at Euro 2020.

You can expect the visitors to start on the front foot. With that in mind, England to take the first corner is our tip at around the 1/2 mark.

Goalscorer bets

Harry Kane unsurprisingly leads the anytime goalscorer market at 10/11. The Tottenham frontman is an obvious tip but it certainly makes more sense to back him as the first goalscorer at the bigger price of 5/2.

His counterpart, Adam Szalai, is the frontrunner in the betting from a Hungarian perspective.

The 33-year-old has plenty of experience and is also in good form having scored in three of Hungary's last eight outings.

READ MORE: Ten things you didn’t know about England’s next opponents, Hungary

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