Fabio Capello ‘s England get their 2010 World Cup underway against the USA on Saturday as the nation braces itself for what will hopefully turn out to be a whole month full of tension, anticipation and excitement that, with a bit of luck, will not come to a close with the eventual disappointment that has plagued the Three Lions in major tournaments for over 40 years.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the betting environment or even if you consider yourself a bit of a dab hand when it comes to putting your money where your mouth is, Goal UK, in association with Titan Bet, is here to help.
This week we have given you a comprehensive look at the odds for the Golden Boot and Gloden Gloves, and now the spotlight focuses solely on England and the numerous betting specials available at your disposal.
While the Three Lions have hardly set the world alight in their World Cup warm-up matches, it’s hard to escape the reality that, on paper, Capello’s charges have a favourable group. Consecutive victories against the USA, Algeria and Slovenia should be a realistic target.
James is the most experienced of England’s three goalkeepers and that may just be exactly what Capello is after. Was handed the No.1 jersey for the World Cup and a first class display in the FA Cup final for Portsmouth may just have given him the edge in the battle to start in England’s first group game.
England to lose a penalty shoot-out
England’s ineptitude from 12 yards has been hard to escape over the years and so you would have to say it’s becoming a bit of a safe bet. Knocked out of tournaments in 1990, 1996, 1998, 2004 and 2006 by way of a penalty shoot-out, you wouldn’t bet against a similarly gut-wrenching exit from this World Cup.
Ronaldo managed it back in 2002 with eight goals for Brazil and with Rooney in the form of his life at present, anything is possible in South Africa.
England to be the top scoring team in the tournament
Having managed 34 goals in 10 games, England were the top European scorers in qualifying and the goals could flow again in South Africa.
Could be deployed just behind Rooney in attack and should anything, god forbid, happen to England’s talisman, Gerrard would likely have to step up.
England to draw all three group games (96.60) Yes I know we’ve already talked about England steam rolling their way through the group stages but a draw with the USA on Saturday could have a drastic knock-on effect.
An England player to score the fastest goal in the tournament: (9.18) If you see Capello’s men going full throttle from the off in their World Cup matches this summer, you’ll get decent odds on them finding the net quicker than anyone else.
England to win FIFA Fair Play award: (10.20) A lot has been made about England players needing to keep their cool at the World Cup and having shared the title with France back in 1998, who’s to say we can’t win it again?
