England v Ivory Coast predictions: Elephants could contribute to entertainment

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Tuesday's international friendly between England and Ivory Coast.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event, 7.45pm Tuesday

Best bet

Over 2.5 goals
2pts 20-23 BoyleSports

Team news

England
John Stones is unlikely to feature after suffering an injury in the warm-up before Saturday's win over Switzerland. Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham, Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone pulled out of the squad last week.

Ivory Coast
Coach Patrice Beaumelle has no fresh injury concerns but Burnley's Maxwel Cornet is pushing for a start in attack.

Match preview

Defensive solidity has been a feature of Gareth Southgate's England team but there could be an unfamiliar look to the Three Lions' rearguard when they take on a talented Ivory Coast side on Tuesday.

Centre-back Marc Guehi and full-backs Kyle Walker-Peters and Tyrick Mitchell earned their first caps in Saturday's 2-1 win over Switzerland and Ben White was pressed into action after John Stones suffered an injury in the warm-up.

England went 1-0 down to the Swiss in the first quarter of the game and needed some fine saves from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford before a Luke Shaw strike and a Harry Kane penalty turned things around.

Nick Pope may get a chance in goal instead of Pickford, after Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a hip injury, and England's defensive unit can expect a tricky night.

World champions France needed a late winner to see off Ivory Coast 2-1 last week, having fallen behind to an excellent early goal from Nicolas Pepe.

The Arsenal winger, rejuvenated during the Africa Cup of Nations, started in a classy front three alongside Ajax striker Sebastien Haller, who scored 11 goals in seven Champions League starts this season, and Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.

England have attacking quality of their own, with Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish likely to start in Southgate's reshuffle, and over 2.5 goals looks a decent bet.

It has copped in seven of the Ivory Coast's last ten internationals while the Three Lions are averaging four goals per game since the Euro 2020 final.

Key stat

England have scored 32 goals in their eight matches since Euro 2020.

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