England World Cup Betting

Odds: 11/2

Positives

England have looked reformed, solid and a very good side at times under new manager Fabio Capello. They cruised through the World Cup qualification group stages beating Croatia 5-1 en route and didn’t drop a point until the final game when progression was already secured. They also have a relatively easy World Cup finals group from which qualification to the knockout stages shouldn’t cause many problems.

Negatives

The problem with backing England in any game or major tournament is that you often get a shorter than realistic price given the weight of money placed by English punters. Bookmakers need to balance their books and can’t take big risks on England, therefore shorter odds are offered and the punter loses out, at 11/2 England are not a good value bet.

That aside there is also a couple of other areas of concern for England. The penalty shootout being one of the most obvious and heartbreaking for English fans throughout the nation’s history, many a punter’s betting slips have been crumpled up and thrown over their shoulder as the England team failed from 12 yards. Would you really want your money on them in a do or die situation from the spot in this World Cup? Secondly and perhaps most costly is England’s lack of a top class goalkeeper, it has been an area of concern for the national team’s managers since David Seaman’s retirement and is one that Capello has yet to find an answer for.

As if the above wasn’t enough to contend with, John Terry’s off-field antics have potentially thrown a spanner in the works with regards to team morale. Capello will have his work cut out to ensure that there are no divisions within the team and that all the players are pulling in the same direction.

Key Player(s)

The hopes of a nation rest on the shoulders of one man for England. If Wayne Rooney can put in the same level of world class performances that he has done for Manchester United throughout the 2009/10 season then they could go far in this tournament. His goals – nine in nine World Cup qualification games – were the catalyst for the teams progression but his all round play is something which has led pundits and professionals to suggest that Rooney is one of the best players in the world, and you won’t find many who would argue with that.

England also have a strong midfield core of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Under previous managers there had been concerns that these two top class players were not compatible and couldn’t produce their best performances when playing alongside each other but Capello seems to have found a way. Both players prospered in the World Cup qualification campaign and will be key components in England’s World Cup ambitions.

Best Bet

England have been handed one of the easiest possible World Cup draws and can progress to the round of 16 without any issues. Their opening game against USA will be their toughest but if they can win that then it should be plain sailing from there.

Back England to win all Three Group Games @ 7/4