World Cup Bet Of The Day: England - USA

The Three Lions need to start with a win but the underdogs from the States won't make it easy for them. Let's take a look at the odds...

England 1.50, Draw 4.12, USA 6.86

Kick-off: Saturday 12 June, 19:30 BST
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa

England expects and after 44 years of hurt it's time for the Three Lions to deliver, starting today against America. We've heard it all before along with the endlessly repeated story of the USA's shock victory back in 1950.

None of that counts for absolutely anything today. Three points and a foothold in Group C is what really matters.

England have had their share of problems during the build up. Captain Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of the tournament with injury, forcing Fabio Capello to reshuffle his pack and most likely giving a berth to the talented but fragile Ledley King in the centre of defence.

Don Fabio himself has been hitting the headlines for lashing out at photographers so there is definitely some latent tension in the camp. This could potentially transfer itself to the pitch where England will face a highly motivated American team.

Clearly, England have the better players and in Wayne Rooney one of the leading lights of the tournament. If Wazza keeps his head it could be a painful night for the stars and stripes.

America demonstrated in last year's Confederations Cup that they are no pushovers. Bob Bradley's side are used to playing in this climate after last year's exploits and the high altitude in Rustenburg will be familiar to them too.

Their build up was hit and miss, beating a decent Turkey team 2-1, but being losing badly to Czech Republic 4-2 at home. Many of the American players have Premier League experience so they will know what to expect against England and how to pick holes in them. Namely winding up Wayne Rooney and keeping the ball.

Suggested Bets
After a sparkling club season Wayne Rooney is the man of the moment and is very good value at 3.92 to score first. He's 1.75 to grab one at anytime. You'll find value on USA to score first as they did against Australia recently at 3.14. If you are planning to play it safe an England win is 1.50 and with a -1 handicap it gets better with odds stretching to1.92.

Best Bet
Over 2.5 goals at 2.04 looks inviting given England's new central defensive lineup plus the fact that none of their keepers are world class. In England's last three friendlies there has been at least three goals and they haven't kept a clean sheet since their 3-0 win over Belarus in November. America haven't kept a clean sheet since last September when they beat Trinidad & Tobago 1-0. Since then they've played 10 games conceding a whopping 20 goals. Go figure...

Local Insight
Sulmaan Ahmad, Chief Editor Goal.com UK
"The two teams are almost eerily similar in that they are athletic, disciplined, but lacking in a great amount of invention and flair. England obviously have the superior players, not just starting but also on the bench, but tactically, the USA are not beyond holding their own and perhaps springing an upset.

England's defence hasn't looked as good as it should in recent times and therefore I would not be surprised to see the USA score - perhaps even score first - but I do
think the resolve and attacking quality from midfield, plus Rooney, will make the difference and England will edge it."

Sulmaan's Prediction: England 2-1 USA

Odds on 2-1 England win: 9.0

Andrea Canales, Chief Editor Goal.com USA
"The USA team facing England doesn't have the fanfare of the Three Lions, but the drop in quality isn't as steep as most would imagine. With Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan, the Americans now feature more creative, technical players to go with the hard work and good goalkeeping that have always characterized their squad.

After a good performance in 2009's Confederations Cup, the USA is also unlikely to be overawed by England, as might have happened in the past. England can't afford
their typical slow World Cup start - they will need to be sharp to defeat the upset-minded Americans."

Andrea's Prediction: 1-1

Odds on 1-1 draw: 8.50

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Odds correct at time of publication. Goal.com encourages all readers who bet to do so sensibly.

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