England vs Iceland tips and predictions: Visitors to melt as Three Lions bring the heat

England took a while to find their rhythm when beating Bosnia 3-0 at St James’ Park on Monday, but we’re expecting a quicker start against Iceland at Wembley.

It’s hard to believe it’s been less than eight years since goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson eliminated Roy Hodgson’s shambolic side from Euro 2016.

Kyle Walker, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane were in the squad as England departed having played no more than four matches for the fourth successive Euros.

Gareth Southgate has bucked the trend by guiding the Three Lions to the last eight of three successive tournaments, a World Cup semi-final and the final of Euro 2020.

Iceland’s golden generation has since been and gone and although they so nearly made it to Germany, we expect England to handle them on Friday.

The countries have met since that shameful day with Phil Foden (2), Declan Rice and Mason Mount scoring in a 4-0 win at the home of English football.

It’s been over 20 years since England lost a home friendly to a nation ranked outside of FIFA’s top 25 and that trend will continue with an emphatic win.

This is Southgate’s last chance to field a starting XI but even if his hand is forced, England have enough to produce at least three more goals and a clean sheet.

Bosnia benefited from fresh legs and ideas on Friday. The new manager bounce was on display early on, as the hosts had to lean on some experienced heads to wrap the game up.

Iceland reported for training earlier this week so extra minutes in English legs should be beneficial and could lead to an early goal.

That could open the floodgates and with shirts up for grabs in next weekend’s Euro 24 opener, it’s hard to see how the visitors will combat England’s enthusiasm.

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Team news

Jordan Pickford will retain his place in goal with Kyle Walker and John Stones likely to replace Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi in defence.

Declan Rice is expected to start at the base of midfield with Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden all options to start ahead of him.

Harry Kane is expected to start on Friday.

Key stats

- The last meeting at a major tournament ended in disgrace as Iceland won 2-1
- England won the most recent meetings, 4-0 and 1-0, in the UEFA Nations League
- England haven’t lost at home to a side outside FIFA’s top 25 since Australia in 2003
- England have won their last 15 home friendlies against sides outside FIFA’s top 10

Suggested bets

Time of first goal: 11-20 minutes

England -2.5 Asian handicap

Harry Kane to score

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