England kick off their qualifying campaign for the 2020 European Championships, this Friday, at Wembley when they host Czech Republic, who are second favourites to top Group A behind England. The Three Lions are in the best place they’ve been for many years under the leadership of Gareth Southgate having reached the Semi-Finals of the World Cup last summer and having recently reached the final round of the newly formed Nations League with impressive victories over Spain and Croatia, who defeated England in last years Semi.

Southgate has a clear style of play in mind and is picking his squad accordingly. There is a strong focus on youth and the ex-Middlesbrough manager is not afraid to throw away players who he thinks are not good enough or that do not fit his style. England will dominate possession against inferior opposition, which the Czech Republic are, and you can expect them to create chances with the attacking prowess of the likes of Raheem Stirling, Marcus Rashford and World Cup Golden Boot winner Harry Kane. The other thing you can rely on with England is that they will likely concede chances, such is their preference to play out from defence.

England are probably going to line up with a back five – a three with two wing backs – and when you look at the likely personnel you can see why the Czechs will fancy their chances of grabbing a goal. Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luke Shaw of Manchester United will be wing backs, which will see Man City pair Kyle Walker and John Stones at the heart of defence with Leicester’s Harry Maguire. All good players but it’s fair to say they’re all more comfortable with the ball than without it. They will give opportunities away and if the Czech attackers are on their day it can be tough. It’s whether they’ll be punished or not that is the question. Avoid the clean sheet bets.

England are strong at the top end of the pitch. Kane is arguably the best out and out striker in the world right now, Rashford and Sterling are electric and youngster Jadon Sancho is one of football’s hottest prospects. The former three will, if fit, start the match and are enough to terrify the best defences in the game. If it’s guaranteed England will give, chances away then it’s a banker they’ll create them too. With Kane, if he gets two then he’ll score one. Back Kane to score anytime as a bet to keep things interesting.

The midfield two is England’s toughest department to predict. West Ham man Declan Rice has recently switched allegiance from the Republic of Ireland and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him start in the deeper lying midfield role, alongside Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, who provides energy, bite and has an underrated passing range. For an outside bet, how about the debutant Rice to score a header? England do carry a threat from set pieces, and they might have a fair few in this match.

In terms of over arching bets, take a look at these two tips. The Czech Republic have lost three of their last six conceding a combined eight goals in those losses. England on the other hand have recorded three straight wins netting the same number of goals that their opponents have conceded. England to win with over 2.5 goals is reasonably safe, push it to over 3.5 goals to boost your returns. The other recommended bet is England to win with both teams to score, which is available with a marginally better price than the over 3.5 goals market. If you’re feeling particularly brave get on 3-1 in the correct score category.

If you’re reluctant to bet on the match alone then consider backing Southgate’s men to win the group. It’s heavy odds on but you’ll make better returns than investing in most bank accounts and given England are the thoroughbred amongst a group of lame horses it’s as close to guaranteed as you’ll find. Do not forget that England have a play-off place secured, since they have won their UEFA Nations League group. The Three Lions will head to Portugal this summer, to play the final four where they will face Netherlands first. Check the odds for this duel and make an early bet to profit more.

Bet safe and good luck.