On Thursday night, Hungary and England go head-to-head at the Puskas Arena in Group I of the European section of qualifying for next year’s World Cup.

HUNGARY

Marco Rossi’s team have made a positive start to their qualifying campaign and currently sit second place in the group, two points shy of Thursday night’s opponents who are top of the standings.

A draw against Poland and victories over minnows San Marino and Andorra have put Hungary in a strong position to mount a challenge for those all-important top-two positions in the group. Hungary have not featured at a World Cup since 1986. The current campaign may be their chance to put that record straight.

The home team have an inconsistent recent home record in qualifying, as they have won one, drawn one and lost one of their last three qualifiers on home soil.

ENGLAND

The Three Lions will be licking their wounds after they suffered a penalty defeat against Italy in the Euro 2020 final. The fact that England got to the final showed the progress Gareth Southgate has made with his team in recent years.

England will be confident of qualifying and having a similar impact at World Cup 2020. Unsurprisingly, the visitors have won all three of their games in Group I.

Unsurprising, as England are unbeaten in their previous 23 qualifiers for World Cups. They are also unbeaten on their travels in qualifiers in 11 matches. Their last away defeat in qualifying to Ukraine back in 2009 was also their last qualifying loss.

England have a good recent record against Hungary, as the Three Lions are unbeaten in 13 games against the Magyars, having recorded 11 wins in the process.

Team News

Hungary are without midfielder Adam Nagy through suspension, while Loic Nego will not feature due to illness.

Meanwhile, England will be without Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has withdrawn from the squad through injury. Aston Villa centre-back Tyrone Mings is also a fitness doubt.