England vs Wales: Betting tips for the home nations friendly
England play Wales in an international friendly match scheduled to take place on Thursday night in a 7:45 pm BST kick-off from Wembley Stadium.
It will be the first time the two nations have met since the 2022 World Cup group stage encounter that saw the Three Lions prevail as 3-0 winners. Both clubs have big 2026 World Cup qualification matches a few days later, so experimental lineups are expected.
Odds Now's football tipster Steve Day delivers his betting tips ahead of the friendly clash.
The timing of this friendly game between two historic rivals has raised some eyebrows. Despite it being listed as a "friendly", these England versus Wales fixtures in any sport tend to be anything but.
It feels like this game won't get the respect and attention it deserves, given England travel away to Latvia and Wales host Belgium just days later in what are set to be pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifier games for both sides.
Due to the competitive matches following this friendly, it's largely expected that both England and Wales will be fielding experimental sides with one eye focused on the more important upcoming fixtures.
Thomas Tuchel's side are without captain and first-choice striker Harry Kane for this game. It is also likely to be seen as an opportunity for Tuchel to give minutes to players he wants to learn more about, including uncapped trio James Trafford, Nico O'Reilly, and Jarell Quansah.
Craig Bellamy has played down any suggestion he might field a weakened team, stating his Wales team are not "Wembley tourists". However, the former Manchester City and Liverpool attacker may well opt to use it as an opportunity to give his younger players some match experience against top opposition. The likes of Dylan Lawlor, Rubin Colwill and Isaak Davies are all on standby.
Needless to say, it's been a long time since Wales last tasted victory on English soil.
A 1-0 win on 31st May, 1977, was the most recent time it happened. A 42nd-minute penalty converted by Leighton James was the difference between the two sides that day. That was so long ago that the likes of Kevin Keegan, Trevor Brooking, and Brian Flynn were playing!
England have won the last seven meetings between the two nations by an aggregate score of 12-1. The Three Lions managing to keep six clean sheets in that run suggests where the value bets lie for this one.
Tuchel's side are 10/11 with AKBets to keep a clean sheet here. On the flip side, England to win and both teams to score is priced at 5/2 with Sky Bet.
One player who is enjoying the 2025/26 season so far is Marcus Rashford.
The former Manchester United attacker is thriving at Barcelona, having scored three goals already this season. The 27-year-old scored twice against Wales in victory at the 2022 World Cup, and he's priced at 9/5 with 888Sport to score anytime.
Ollie Watkins is another player to consider for an anytime scorer. The Aston Villa frontman has endured a frustrating start to the season in front of goal. However, he finally opened his league account in the recent 3-1 win at home to Fulham and with Kane set to be sidelined for this game, he's a choice pick at 39/20 with BetMGM to score anytime.
Bellamy has come out and said that his team won't sit back and try to park the bus against England. His playing philosophy as Wales head coach has been one of encouraging his team to be on the front foot.
That said, it seems likely that Wales will find themselves under the cosh for long periods. Whether it's through sustained attacks or being hit on the counter, I'm fully expecting the Welsh defensive line to be tested.
Backing Ben Davies to make over 1.5 tackles at 11/10 with Bet365 or Neco Williams to make over 2.5 tackles at 6/5 with the same bookmaker are attractive bets. Both players have great recovery pace and will likely need that in this game as they come up against a fast England attack.
3pts - England to Win to Nil - 10/11 (AKBets)
1pt - Marcus Rashford to score anytime - 9/5 (888Sport)
1pt - Ben Davies over 1.5 tackles - 11/10 (Bet365)
Total staked - 5pts
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
Steve's p/l
7 Days
30 Days
Year 2025
Thomas Tuchel confirms that Harry Kane will miss the friendly against Wales, with one of Jordan Henderson, John Stones or Declan Rice to captain the side馃彺鬆仹鬆仮鬆仴鬆伄鬆仹鬆伩 However, the England manager is confident that Kane will be fit for the World Cup Qualifier against Latvia.
