Five International Friendlies to watch in June

The 2022/23 club season is approaching its climax and will soon make room for the new set of European Championship qualifying fixtures.

It’s seems like yesterday when Lionel Messi’s Argentina toppled France in the 2022 World Cup final, but there’s no rest in a packed FIFA international calendar.

Let’s take a look at the five most exciting Euro 2024 qualifiers to keep an eye on in June. 

Austria v Sweden – 20/06/2023

Euro 2024 qualification Group F gets underway at the Ernst Happel Stadion as Austria and Sweden go head-to-head in a game that could determine the runner-up in this section.

With Belgium odds-on favourites to progress as group winners, Austria and Sweden will likely battle it out for the remaining qualification spot, provided minnows Azerbaijan and Estonia live up to their underdog status.

Before taking a trip to Vienna, the Swedes have a warm-up fixture against New Zealand designed to get them in shape ahead of their potentially qualification-defining game against the Austrians.

Considering a substantial gulf in class between the sides, the All Whites shouldn’t stand a chance against Janne Andersson’s team. But you should still check the bet365 offer for new-zealand, who could pull off an upset in a friendly after climbing to 100th in FIFA’s men’s rankings. 

England v North Macedonia – 19/06/2023

Last tournament’s runners-up continue their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign away to Malta before welcoming North Macedonia to Wembley Stadium on June 19.

Despite another World Cup knockout heartbreak, Gareth Southgate’s men are clear-cut favourites to reach a fourth consecutive Euro finals, especially after back-to-back wins to kick things off in Group C.

According to the Daily Mail, Brighton & Hove Albion captain Lewis Dunk is in line for his second-ever international call-up following an impressive Premier League season with the Seagulls. 

Defensive soundness has been one of England’s trademarks under Southgate, but after netting at least twice in four of their last five internationals, the Three Lions seem to be improving on the other end of the pitch. 

France v Greece – 19/06/2023

Following a flawless two-game start to their Euro 2024 qualifying Group B journey, France should ease past whipping boys Gibraltar on the road before playing Greece at home in their final summer outing.

Inspired by new captain Kylian Mbappe, Didier Deschamps’ star-studded squad dismantled fierce rivals Netherlands 4-0 in their opening home qualifier at the Stade de France.

Eyes will be on the Paris Saint-Germain superstar again when Les Bleus try to end a two-match winless run against Greece in competitive action and consolidate their bid to advance into a ninth successive Euro finals.

Portugal v Bosnia & Herzegovina – 17/06/2023

With or without Cristiano Ronaldo, who could, according to transfer rumours, be on the verge of returning to European football, the Selecao are a force to be reckoned with.

After a brace of overwhelming victories over Luxembourg and Liechtenstein by an aggregate score of 10-0, they are in the driver’s seat to maintain an impressive streak of qualifying for the eighth consecutive Euro finals.

There’s not much Bosnia can do to knock Roberto Martinez’s side off their perch, especially at the Estádio da Luz, given Portugal’s formidable run of four wins in their last five competitive home fixtures. 

Belgium v Austria – 17/06/2023

Belgium’s life under new boss Domenico Tedesco was off to a flying start as De Rode Duivels thumped Sweden 3-0 in their Euro 2024 qualifying curtain-raiser before overcoming Germany 3-2 in a friendly.

On that basis, the upcoming encounter against Austria at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels should be a walk in the park, even though the Belgians have drawn three of their four meetings with Das Team.  However, Ralf Rangnick has guided the Austrians to four triumphs on the trot in the lead-up to this clash, suggesting Belgium may have to roll up their sleeves to live up to their favourites tag on June 17

Five International Friendlies to watch in June

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