England play their final warm-up match for Euro 2024 on Friday evening when they welcome Iceland to Wembley.
England play their final warm-up match for Euro 2024 on Friday evening when they welcome Iceland to Wembley.
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.
Suggested bets
Time of first goal: 11-20 minutes
England -2.5 Asian handicap
Harry Kane to score
