WC: Odds on England shorten slightly after unconvincing victory

Sky Bet have England at this price after the win over Trinidad & Tobago. It is perhaps surprising that the 2-0 victory had this effect – the win was far from convincing and the attacking force of England was anything but clinical.

With notable misses from Lampard and Crouch and a goal line clearance from John Terry, it is fair to say that England were lucky to get the win. It took 83 minutes for the first goal to come and on this form England do not deserve to be second favourites.

However, this is not to say that there were no positives to come from the game. With the introduction of Rooney after an hour, which had the clear effect of boosting the England team and with some promising moments of magic from youngster Lennon, England have every reason to be hopeful. Also, Gerrard’s wonder goal will give him the confidence that is much needed when he is wearing an England shirt.

Ultimately though, irrespective of the spin, the game was a disappointment. It was the same story over again – eleven talented players failing to play as a team. England will certainly need to get their act together if they are to beat Sweden in their last group game but, with England, no-one ever really knows whether this will happen.

For the time being though England are through to the last sixteen and with no other team showing world-beating form (apart from possibly Spain) the market remains relatively open.

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