England v Hungary predictions: Expect another slow start from Three Lions

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for England v Hungary in the Nations League on Tuesday.

Where to watch

Channel 4, 7.45pm Tuesday

Best bet

No goal before 28 minutes
1pts 5-6 bet365

Team news

England
Harry Kane could be restored to the starting line-up after coming off the bench against Italy. Jordan Pickford is poised to return in goal.

Hungary
First-choice goalkeeper Peter Gulasci is suspended for the visitors, who are likely to start with Denes Dibusz between the sticks.

Match preview

It may come down to end-of-season fatigue or a sense of apathy towards the competition but one thing's for sure - England have made an underwhelming start to the current Nations League campaign.

A section featuring Germany, Italy and Hungary was always going to come with its challenges but the Three Lions have looked devoid of attacking impetus in Group A3.

They are winless from their first three matches, scoring only once in the process, and the 0-0 draw with Italy last time out was a particular snoozefest.

Tuesday's clash with Hungary at Molineux could also follow suit.

Naturally, England have more incentive this time, knowing failure to win this game could put them in danger of relegation from League A when the Nations League resumes later this year.

But the Hungarians are a disciplined side, who shut out England in Budapest and have conceded only three goals in their last four fixtures in all competitions.

Harry Kane is set to be restored to the starting line-up for this contest but even with the Tottenham man in their ranks, England often fail to come out firing and Hungary can hold strong in the early phases of the game.

With that in mind, backing there to be no goals within the first 28 minutes at Molineux at a shade of odds-on appeals.

England have not found the net before that stage in any of their five fixtures in 2022 and in the same batch of matches they have scored only three first-half goals.

With the World Cup in Qatar edging closer, questions are being asked of Southgate and his conservative playing style and the mumbles of discontent may grow louder after another unexciting Nations League assignment.

Key stat

Four of Hungary's last five matches have featured under 2.5 goals.

Inside info

England

Penalty taker Harry Kane
Free-kick wizard James Ward-Prowse
Set-piece aerial threat John Stones
Card magnet Bukayo Saka

Hungary

Penalty taker Adam Szalai
Free-kick wizard Roland Sallai
Set-piece aerial threat Willi Orban
Card magnet Attila Szalai

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