England resume their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign away to Hungary tonight, in what is potentially the trickiest test in their bid to reach Qatar.
Of course, Gareth Southgate’s side go into the match on the back of coming within a penalty shootout of winning their first trophy since 1966.
Hungary failed to reach the knockout stages of Euro 2020 but gave a good account of themselves in the so-called ‘Group of Death’.
They were supposed to be the whipping boys but led Germany until the final six minutes of their match, a result that would have been enough to go through.
Both sides are unbeaten in Group I, where only the winners are guaranteed qualification, but England hold a two-point lead at the top after Hungary dropped points in their 3-3 draw with Poland.
Marco Rossi’s side were leading that game in Budapest until Robert Lewandowski equalised seven minutes from time.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Hungary vs England will kick-off at 7.45pm BST this evening.
The match will be at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, one of the grounds that hosted Euro 2020.
Where to watch Hungary v England
The game is being screened live by ITV with the programme starting at 7.15pm.
There is also a highlights show featuring this match and others from across Europe at 10.45pm.
And you can also follow live coverage with Standard Sport’s match blog.
Hungary v England lineups and team news
Hungary: Gulacsi, Kecskes, Orban, Attila Szalai, Bolla, Kleinheisler, Schafer, Fiola, Sallai, Szoboszlai, Adam Szalai.
Subs: Tamas, Salloi, Lang, Dibusz, Gazdag, Roland Varga, Kevin Varga, Bogdan, Nikolic, Schon, Szabo, Cseri.
England: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Phillips, Rice, Sterling, Mount, Grealish, Kane.
Subs: Johnstone, James, Mings, Saka, Bamford, Lingard, Henderson, Alexander-Arnold, Coady, Trippier, Bellingham, Pope.
Hungary v England prediction
The bulk of the Hungary squad is the same as that which impressed at Euro 2020 with additions including debutants in striker Daniel Salloi and defender Mark Tamas.
And as they showed at those finals, it would be wrong to take them lightly.
But England made their own mark this summer, have also got the majority of the players who served them so well then, and welcomed back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed out through injury.
A tight game, yes, but one that England will edge.
Hungary 1 England 2
Head to head (h2h) history and results
England wins 15
Hungary wins 5
Draws 2
Their last meeting was in 2010 when England won 2-1 with both goals coming from Steven Gerrard.
It is almost 40 years since their last competitive clash, with England running out 3-0 winners in Budapest. Glenn Hoddle opened the scoring in the Euro 84 qualifier.
Betting odds and tips
England win: 4/9
Hungary win: 7/1
Draw: 10/3
