A Tough Test for Tuchel’s Rock-Solid Defense
The self-proclaimed home of soccer has a losing record against only three nations worldwide. Alongside Brazil and Italy, the third nation is, somewhat surprisingly, today’s friendly opponent Uruguay, against whom five of the previous eleven international matches have been lost (three wins, three draws). Thus, Thomas Tuchel now faces a real tough test in his tenure as coach of the Three Lions, especially since “La Celeste” has produced very mixed results under Bielsa’s sometimes unpredictable style of play.
No wonder, because under Thomas Tuchel, England has a 100% record in competitive matches, winning all eight World Cup qualifiers with a 22-0 goal difference and thus securing nine wins in their last ten international matches—all of them, incidentally, clean-sheet victories. The only exception was a 1-3 loss in a friendly against Senegal last summer. However, the English squad under the German coach has rarely put on offensive fireworks. Among other things, in the qualifiers against Andorra, there was “only” a 1-0 away win and a 2-0 home win. Given that Uruguay, in turn, conceded only twelve goals in 18 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, we therefore recommend betting on under 2.5 goals in this friendly at Wembley Stadium.
At the very least, we shouldn’t be fooled by the Charrúas’ latest result. Under Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay embodies an extremely physically demanding style, but fluctuates between dominance and defensive lapses, as seen in their recent 1-5 loss to the USA. Federico Valverde, who most recently single-handedly eliminated Manchester City with Real Madrid, leads the team as one of the world’s most in-form midfielders, while Darwin Núñez provides the necessary offensive firepower. “La Celeste” is certainly capable of pulling off a respectable result at Wembley Stadium, such as a 0-0 or 1-1 draw.
Both outcomes could be covered by the Match Combo on the Double Chance 1X with under 3.5 goals, as well as a 2-1 victory for the Three Lions. Odds of 1.50 are available for this in the Betano app for England vs. Uruguay.
England – Uruguay Head-to-Head Record
Head-to-Head: 3 – 3 – 5
Eleven international matches have already taken place between the two nations, who also faced off in the quarterfinals of the 1954 World Cup, among other occasions. With five wins, Uruguay leads the head-to-head record. The Charrúas are one of only three nations against whom the Three Lions have a negative record. The most recent matchup, in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup, also went to “La Celeste” with a 2-1 victory.
England – Uruguay Prediction
Nevertheless, in the England vs. Uruguay match, our prediction leans toward the Three Lions, who have increasingly developed a new identity under Thomas Tuchel and dominated World Cup qualifying at will with eight wins from eight matches and a 22-0 goal difference.
However, the Three Lions rarely put on a real fireworks display, which is why the Uruguayan squad—which left Brazil behind in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers and conceded only twelve goals in 18 matches—can certainly hope for a good result on the Thames.
Most eventualities can be covered by betting on a match that won’t be too high-scoring, which in turn takes into account both British frugality and Uruguayan compactness.
