England will certainly want to continue where they left out on Monday afternoon, the Three Lions got off to a brilliant start against Iran and looked dangerous…but I suspect the men from the United States might want to stake a claim to some glory here.
To Win Match
England 1/2 | Draw 16/5 | USA 11/2
England will likely play this game without any real pressure after the start they had. Gareth Southgate managed to reach the final four in Russia and will know there is a level of expectation which comes with the territory this time around.
Confidence will be high after an impressive performance against a rather limp Iranian side, I thought Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford were brilliant.
England went forward with purpose and their performance in the final third was second to none. They looked as though they could score every time – and I suppose winning 6-2 meant they did!
Gareth Southgate is likely to want to ensure that his side do not become complacent now and will know that victory here pretty much guarantees qualification. USA will not be an easy navigation though – expect England’s defence to be under a little more threat here.
At first there were many questions around the United States’ team selection for this World Cup. They haven’t travelled with a host of experience but have favored (at least in my opinion) a fearless side who do not look as though they intend to give too much respect to any opposition.
Against Wales, I thought the USA attacked well, got into important positions and asked questions of the Welsh defence for the entire 90 minutes. They would have likely been disappointed with their performance in the final third – but I wouldn’t be too concerned this early on.
England will dominate the ball here, but that might turn out to work in the USA’s favour a little. They can launch devastating counterattacks and against a little less than resolute defence, the proverbial star-spangled banner might indeed be hoisted.
Verdict: BTTS + Over 2.5 Goals (9/4)
England can certainly win, and after their showing against Iran, they probably deserve my confidence. I just can’t bring myself to go all in with the Brits at a global event just yet.
The USA will come out and attack with absolutely no reservation at all, it will be interesting to see how the English defence holds. Coupled with that, the English strikers have shown what they can do in the final third and the USA has never been involved in a 0-0 score line at the World Cup…this just says goals to me!
Both scoring and over 2.5 goals at 9/4 is delicate odds, be my guest.
