England are expected to make light work of seeing off minnows, San Marino, when the two nations face each other at Wembley Stadium on Thursday night.
The hosts look to start their World Cup qualifying campaign in triumphant and convincing fashion.
England have suffered just two defeats out of their last 11 matches in all competitions which were against Denmark and their recent nemesis, Belgium, but having also picked up eight wins during this period.
Gareth Southgate’s side are expected to win at a canter on Thursday night in this Group I opener.
The biggest rivals standing in England’s way to securing top spot in the group appear to be Poland and goal difference could come into play later in the qualifying phase, so early goals on the board against San Marino here would certainly place England in a favourable position.
World Cup qualifying results have also been solid for the Three Lions as the hosts are unbeaten in their last 21 matches overall at this level, while at home, England are unbeaten in their last 23 matches, winning 21 of these.
In 1993, San Marino registered perhaps one of the biggest shocks in the footballing world when they took an early 1-0 lead at home against Thursday night’s hosts, England, but their joy was short-lived as they went on to being given a 7-1 hiding that evening.
San Marino have conceded a total of 37 goals across their previous six defeats to England, scoring just once in reply, but the visitors might just make England wait for their opening goal in this clash as they look to frustrate their hosts.
Of course, it appears to be only a matter of time before England score and although San Marino held Liechtenstein and Gibraltar to 0-0 draws towards the end of last year, they could well fold once the second half is underway.
San Marino are expected to work hard in pressing their opponents early on in the match and close down England wherever they can which could use up valuable minutes in the 1st half but this approach takes its toll on players fitness.
England have easily won their previous six encounters against San Marino and it appears only the margin of victory has yet to be decided but more goals could be scored in the 2nd half of this clash.
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