Betting Preview: San Marino vs England – goals to flow as Three Lions book their place in Qatar

Seb Sternik
14 November 2021

England's Harry Maguire celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup Qualifying match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Friday November 12, 2021.

England will be looking to end their World Cup qualification campaign on an emphatic note when they travel away to San Marino.

Last Friday, the Three Lions made mincemeat of Albania to all but seal their ticket to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Mathematically speaking, England could still lose their top spot to Poland should they suffer a shock defeat at the hands of San Marino.

However, considering La Serenissima won just one of their last 184 internationals, the thought of them beating England is inconceivable.

When, where and how to watch

When: Monday, November 15, 19.45 GMT

Where: San Marino Stadium

How to watch: ITV

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best bets in San Marino vs England

Over 5.5 goals at 4/6

First half to have most goals at 9/5

Harry Maguire to score a header was 4/1 now boosted to 5/1

England and San Marino have met seven times in World Cup and European Championship qualifying games. Interestingly, the Three Lions scored five or more goals in every single one of those encounters.

There is a chance that Gareth Southgate will give his fringe players an opportunity to shine. Even then, England should cruise to a comfortable victory.

With that in mind, our opening selection is to back the over 5.5 goals bet.

It may seem like a lot but considering the Three Lions scored five goals in 45 minutes against Albania, they should be able to net similar numbers against a far worse San Marino outfit.

As things stand, this is a bet that is priced at around the 4/6 mark.

Last three meetings

England 5-0 San Marino (World Cup Qualifier - March 25, 2021)

The two nations last met in March as England sealed a comfortable win at Wembley.

James Ward-Prowse put the hosts in-front in the opening quarter-of-an-hour before Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubled their lead six minutes later.

Raheem Sterling made it three while further efforts from Calvert-Lewin and Ollie Watkins in the second-half secured an easy win for Southgate's men.

San Marino 0-6 England (Euro 2016 Qualifier - September 5, 2015)

England's last away clash against San Marino ended with another rampant victory.

Wayne Rooney converted a first-half penalty to move the Three Lions in front. An own-goal from Cristian Brolli put the visitors two goals up at the break.

After the interval, Theo Walcott bagged a brace while Ross Barkley and Harry Kane also chipped in with efforts of their own.

England 5-0 San Marino (Euro 2016 Qualifier - October 9, 2014)

San Marino's visit to England in 2014 ended on another disappointing note as the hosts ran riot.

Phil Jagielka bagged the opener before Rooney converted a 43rd minute penalty to make it 2-0 just before the break.

Second-half goals from Danny Welbeck, Andros Townsend and a Della Valle Ales own goal completed yet another 5-0 thrashing.

Last five head-to-heads

San Marino wins: 0

Draws: 0

England: 5

San Marino goals: 0

England goals: 29

More than a mismatch

All San Marino have got to show for their efforts against England in previous encounters is one goal which they scored all the way back in 1993.

Davide Gualtieri bagged that memorable effort in the opening minute of a World Cup qualifying fixture. San Marino's lead lasted for 20 minutes before England turned on the style and walked away 7-1 winners.

The Three Lions are expected to win big again when they arrive in Serravalle and backing the goals market seems the only logical way to go in the betting.

One bet which stands out is for the first half to have the most goals. This bet landed last time out against Albania and at 9/5, it offers good value once more.

San Marino vs England goalscorer bets

One man who got among the goals last Friday was Manchester United's Harry Maguire.

The centre-back opened the scoring against Albania courtesy of one his trademark headers.

The 28-year-old has faced a lot of critics for his efforts at Old Trafford recently but he's certainly worth backing to get on the scoresheet against San Marino.

At a boosted price of 5/1, the player offers great value to score with his head. Considering England are expected to dominate proceedings, Maguire should have plenty of opportunities to bag his seventh international effort.

Elsewhere, Harry Kane offers good value in the score and assist market.

This is a bet that landed in the Albania game as Kane's hat-trick was complemented by an assist for Jordan Henderson.

At around even money, this is a very promising selection. The only major question mark is whether Kane will get the nod from Southgate or whether the England boss will opt to shake things up.