ENGLAND welcome Australia at Wembley on Friday night in what could be an entertaining friendly.
The Aussies may have won the Ashes on English soil, but this is a different proposition for Graham Arnold's men, who play two friendlies in the capital, with another game against New Zealand to come on Tuesday at Brentford.
The Socceroos have six players from the English leagues and five from the Scottish Premiership so it's almost a home game for them too with only three home-based players in their squad and one of them is a reserve keeper.
It's a far cry from the days of Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and Mark Viduka, although they did get past the group stages at the World Cup and were only narrowly edged out by eventual winners Argentina.
Gareth Southgate's side chalked up a morale-boosting and very comfortable 3-1 win at Hampden in their last game which could and should have been more against a Scotland side who were flying high.
They are rightfully one of the favourites to win the Euros next year and on their day, that's entirely justified although they are prone to the odd howler.
With a home qualifier against Italy on Tuesday and the chance for revenge for that agonising Euro 2020 Final defeat against the Azzurri, Southgate is likely to hand opportunities to some of his fringe players.
How the bookies view it
England are generally 1/5 favourites although there is a spot of 2/9 with Coral.
Australia can be backed at 14/1 with William Hill and the draw is 11/2 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The nations have never played competitively. They have played twice this century at Sunderland and Upton Park and it's been a win apiece.
Players to watch
Jude Bellingham has elevated himself to superstardom status after his start at Real Madrid. He's already scored 11 goals in 12 games for club and country including at Hampden. He has to be value at 10/3 to score anytime with BetVictor if he starts.
Hibs star Martin Boyle already has six international goals for the Socceroos in 20 games. He is 15/2 to score anytime in London with William Hill.
Anything else catch the eye?
Even with a so-called shadow side, England should have far too much class on display for Australia to cope with. Their firepower up front is frightening and Southgate has a ridiculous amount of talent to call upon.
The Aussies are full of good honest pros, but there are levels here and England showed a Scotland team full of players who are at far bigger clubs than the Socceroos squad what they could do by outclassing them in Glasgow.
England are 3/4 to win half time and full time with Coral and it's hard to see that not landing.
The hosts are also 9/5 to win minus two goals on the handicap with Paddy Power and that seems well worth going for also.
This International Friendly match between England and Australia will be played on Oct 13, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best England vs Australia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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