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England will beat the Netherlands comfortably, says Charlie Nicholas

Charlie Nicholas
Image: Charlie Nicholas

Charlie Nicholas provides us with his international friendly predictions as England, Scotland and Republic of Ireland look to build on impressive victories.

England produced a stunning 3-2 comeback in Germany on Saturday night while Scotland also upset the odds to win 1-0 in Czech Republic, matching the scoreline recorded by Republic of Ireland against Switzerland on Friday evening.

Here's what Charlie fancies for Tuesday night's fixtures...

England v Netherlands

 Jamie Vardy (l) and Phil Jagielka (r) are both expected to start for England against the Netherlands
Image: Jamie Vardy (l) and Phil Jagielka (r) are both expected to start for England against the Netherlands

The Netherlands are in a mess as a footballing nation. After the tremendous sadness and respect shown following the death of Johan Cruyff they return to the bleak reality of their current national side.

You look at their squad and which names jump out at you? Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder are past their peak now and who is coming through? Memphis Depay is a long way off being a top player and Virgil van Dijk is probably one of their best right now.

England produced a sensational comeback in Germany. I know it was a friendly, but there was so many positives to take from it and it's an exciting time for England fans.

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The debate over whether Wayne Rooney should be starting has been cranked up and we're looking at a very different picture now, with the emergence of Dele Alli and Ross Barkley.

I'd like to see Barkley given a start this time and there can't be many more deserving of a place in Roy Hodgson's line-up than Jamie Vardy. He'll want to have a good look at Daniel Sturridge in a match environment though and, with such exciting competition for places and keenness to impress, I can only see a comfortable England win.

Charlie predictions: 2-0 (22/1 with Sky Bet)

Charlie's Sky Bet tips
Charlie's Sky Bet tips

Agree with Charlie? Follow his 22/1 Sky Bet prediction here.

Scotland v Denmark 

Gordon Strachan, Scotland manager, Czech Rep 0-1 Scotland 'Referee!!'
Image: Gordon Strachan has been encouraged to attack more

Scotland always seem to do this. They struggle in competitions and then impress in friendlies. Maybe it's because they have a competitive edge that other nations don't have in friendlies.

The Scots need to get a bit bolder and I'd like to see a side set up to go out and create chances and win games rather than one that goes out to suffocate and stifle the midfield.

Leigh Griffiths deserves his chance up front, even though his record in Europe hasn't been great for Celtic, and I'd have somebody up alongside him in a 4-4-2 or even a 4-3-3 system.

As for Denmark, much like the Netherlands they're lacking any real stars these days other than Christian Eriksen, and I see his threat from set-pieces being the main danger, especially when their big defenders get the chance to come up.

Charlie predicts: 1-1 and Charlie Mulgrew to score first (100/1 with Sky Bet)

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Republic of Ireland v Slovakia

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 25:  Ciaran Clark of Republic of Ireland celebrates scoring the opening goal during the International Friendly match between Republ
Image: Ciaran Clark scored the winner for Republic of Ireland on Friday night

Republic of Ireland are similar to the Scots in bringing that aggression and graft to friendly matches. Roy Keane demands that from the team.

They'll want to continue to build momentum and belief and they'll have an edge about them because of the amount of players in the squad looking to fight for a place at this summer's finals.

The likes of Aidan McGeady, who had a wretched time at Everton but is starting to rebuild at Sheffiled Wednesday, know this is a big chance.

The main question is who will take over from Robbie Keane in that central striker role? Shane Long will look to prove he deserves it again but I would say Jon Walters, who misses out with a hamstring problem, is the main contender for that position when it comes to the Euros.

Charlie predicts: 2-0 and Long to score first (33/1 with Sky Bet)

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