S.P. Read Esq: Netherlands v England

Our daily columnist and pundit S.P. Read Esq. looks ahead to Fridqy’s International Friendly between NETHERLANDS v ENGLAND and finds the best opportunities available on Star Spreads, the home of sports spread betting.

How the mighty have fallen. A former giant of European football that has fallen so far that nothing other than a root and branches rebuild is required…… and I’m not talking about England (for once) but rather their opponents tonight the Netherlands.

I’m still struggling to come to terms with the fact the mighty Oranje will not be part of Russia 2018 having failed to qualify.

That disaster signalled big changes and this is Ronald Koeman’s first game in charge and there’re plenty of new faces amongst the players too with Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder now retired from International football. Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk takes over as captain of the Netherlands. He said: “It is great news, for me and my family. I am very happy with it, it is a great honour to be the captain of your country.”

Ordinarily, I would think England would be a good bet to win this but the usual caveat of IF applies. If, in this case, standing for international friendly.

Gareth Southgate will no doubt be keen to keep England’s momentum going with the World Cup now less than three months away. England have kept four clean sheets in a row and five in their last six.

Southgate is likely to use Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who is increasingly looking like the number one choice for the England number one shirt.

Jack Wilshere has not travelled after injuring his knee in training and his hopes of being fit for Russia are in the balance.

Southgate said: “It’s difficult for me to say when he will report back because he’s more experienced with it than I am, but it’s definitely not a big problem. We just have to see how it settles. It’s ongoing.

“It’s not uncommon at all for players to experience it. It’s disappointing for him in terms of this game, but given the injuries he’s had and the progress over the last 18 months, he’s made huge strides.”

Netherlands v England
International Friendly
19:45 ITV

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Mar 2016 INTERNATIONAL England 1-2 Holland
Feb 2012 INTERNATIONAL England 2-3 Holland
Aug 2009 INTERNATIONAL England 2-2 Holland
Nov 2006 INTERNATIONAL Holland 1-1 England
Feb 2005 INTERNATIONAL England 0-0 Holland
Feb 2002 INTERNATIONAL Holland 1-1 England
Aug 2001 INTERNATIONAL England 0-2 Holland
Jun 1996 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS England 4-1 Holland
Oct 1993 WORLD CUP Holland 2-0 England
Apr 1993 WORLD CUP England 2-2 Holland

Netherlands have lost just one of their past 13 matches against England (W5 D7) but they are likely to be much more experimental than England will be tonight as Southgate’s men continue the build up to the main event. As such, I’m a seller of England’s first match goal at 55 minutes with Star Spreads – despite the IF factor!

CLICK FOR NETHERLANDS  v ENGLAND MARKETS ON STAR SPREADS

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale 1-100 points)

SELL 1st ENGLAND MATCH GOAL 30 points at 55 with Star Spreads

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.