England vs. Romania – Soccer Friendly, June 6, 2021

England’s final Euro 2020 warm-up game takes place at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium on Sunday, June 6, as Romania visits Teesside.

Bukayo Saka’s second-half goal handed the Three Lions a narrow victory over Austria on Wednesday, although Trent Alexander-Arnold’s tournament-ending injury soured the win.

On the flip side, Romania heads into Sunday’s clash on a three-match losing streak in all competitions, having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Georgia in midweek.

I share my prediction and pick for England vs. Romania in this betting preview. But first, let’s take a look at the odds.

As you would expect, all the top-rated sports betting sites view England (1.30) as the out-and-out favorite to win on Sunday, leaving Romania (10.00) as the clear underdog.

Given England’s unconvincing performance against Austria in midweek, the juicy price for the draw (5.50) is bound to attract some attention. However, it is important to remember that the gulf between these two nations is vast.

Before we get to my England vs. Romania prediction and betting pick, let’s take a closer look at both sides.

Since the turn of the year, England has played four matches – three World Cup qualifiers and one friendly. Gareth Southgate’s men have picked up four wins in that time, keeping three clean sheets along the way.

Following an expected 5-0 thrashing of San Marino, England beat Albania 2-0 before capping off their March qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Poland.

With Chelsea and Manchester City’s players recovering from the Champions League final, Southgate was forced to field an understrength starting XI against Austria on Wednesday. Still, Jack Grealish shone as the Three Lions clinched a 1-0 win.

Of course, Alexander-Arnold’s injury put a dampener on the evening. But it’s no secret that Southgate is spoiled in choices for the right-back department.

The manager is expected to rotate his team heavily on Sunday, with the European Championship just around the corner. However, England boasts more than enough to quality to overcome Romania.

The Tricolors suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss to Georgia last time out, underlining their weaknesses. Florin Tanase was sent off just before half-time, giving his side very little chance after the break.

Mirel Radio’s men have only managed to win one of their last five matches in all competitions, with three straight losses since March.

Looking at the bigger picture – the Romanians have won just two of their previous nine outings. Considering their only victories in that time have come against Norway and North Macedonia, it is hardly surprising that Radoi’s side isn’t competing at Euro 2020.

Given that Romania lost to Georgia (91st) earlier in the week, it is difficult to imagine the Tricolors upsetting the odds against England.

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I’m backing England to win this one. The Three Lions were not at their best on Wednesday, yet they still managed to grind out a victory.

With Euro 2020 on the horizon, Southgate will be eager for his players to put in a strong performance on Sunday and head into the tournament on a high. For that reason, the home win is my England vs. Romania betting pick.