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England to beat Lithuania comfortably, predicts Charlie Nicholas

Generic Charlie Nicholas image 10/08/2016
Image: Charlie Nicholas provides us with his predictions for the upcoming international games

Charlie Nicholas provides us with his predictions for the World Cup Qualifiers involving England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

On Sunday England host Lithuania, Scotland take on Slovenia and Northern Ireland entertain Norway.

Here's Charlie's thoughts and predictions for all four matches.

SUNDAY

England v Lithuania, 5pm

I thought England played pretty well in Germany and could have won. They created some good chances, although they did miss Harry Kane.

While I can understand why they played Jamie Vardy in that system for his pace, I was a little surprised Gareth Southgate didn't give Jermain Defoe a go.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 29:  Jermain Defoe of England in action during the International Friendly match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wemble
Image: Jermain Defoe should be given his chance, says Nicholas

I'd play Defoe against Lithuania. He's a predator, he's proved it for many years. He won't be bothered about any pressure if he misses a chance as he'll take the next one that comes along.

If England win this, they'll go to 13 points and create a gap from their rivals. I think this will be Sunday stroll for England. Lithuania are average at best and England will have far too much for them.

I can see Dele Alli pulling the strings and England winning it 4-0, and if he starts Defoe scoring a couple of goals.

Charlie predicts: 4-0 England at 13/2 with Sky Bet

Scotland v Slovenia, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm

My message to Gordon Strachan is simple - be bold.

If Scotland take a cautious approach, as Gordon has hinted they might, then I think they will struggle.

Slovenia are strong, they don't need to go for it as they are well placed behind England in the group, they can sit back and if Scotland don't get a good start wait for the crowd to get on the players' backs - and they will!

I want to see Scotland be adventurous from the first whistle as it's a must-win match. If they don't turn up for this game then it could be Gordon's last in charge as I'm sure he'll be asked to leave.

11/11/16 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER .  ENGLAND v SCOTLAND (3-0) .  WEMBLEY - LONDON .  Scotland manager Gordon Strachan
Image: Defeat for Scotland could spell the end for Gordon Strachan

I expect to see Strachan make five or six changes to the side that drew with Canada in midweek.

I'd be looking at playing a 3-4-3 with Steven Fletcher, Robert Snodgrass and Leigh Griffiths up front with Fulham's Tom Cairney and Stuart Armstrong in midfield this would provide a real attacking intent.

Live International Football: FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers

Armstrong's a must for me. He's the best player in Scotland right now and if he starts I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't score.

Whatever Scotland do they must be aggressive and bold but I fear they won't and that's why I'm going for a draw.

Charlie predicts: 1-1 with Stuart Armstrong scoring first at 35/1 with Sky Bet

Northern Ireland v Norway, live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 7.30pm

Northern Ireland are still smiling from what they did last summer, but things are becoming tougher and tougher for them.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill during the 2018 World Cup Qualifier against San Marino
Image: Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill prepares his side to face Norway

I'm a big admirer of what Michael O'Neill has done with this team but I can see this being a really awkward tie for them.

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Norway may not have the recognised names of the past - the likes of John Carew - but they will be well-drilled and physical and I can see them suffocating the life out of the hosts.

Charlie predicts: 0-0 at 11/2 with Sky Bet

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