England v USA Pick

England v USA
Friendly
Wednesday, 8.05pm (UK time)


There is absolutely nothing to suggest that this fixture will be any more entertaining than any other England friendly. Since returning to Wembley, their record in friendlies reads P3, W1, D1, L1, F4, A4 which is pretty uninspiring. We’re definitely expecting a low scoring, low key encounter here.

Despite England’s recent debacles (they have lost three of their last five games and missed out on Euro 2008), their record against the lower ranked nations does provide cause for optimism. They haven’t lost a friendly to a side outside the FIFA top 10 rankings since August 2005, a run encompassing 12 games. And going back further, a 3-2 defeat to Denmark in November 2003 was the last time a home friendly against a non-top 10 side ended in defeat.

But the visitors aren’t that bad and coach Bob Bradley has moulded the USA into a side finally capable of challenging Mexico for North American supremacy.

The USA recorded their first back to back wins on European soil by beating Poland 3-0 in Warsaw in March and have only conceded a goal in one of their last five games. However, it must be noted that during this purple patch they have yet to face a side ranked higher than 17th (Switzerland, South Africa, Sweden, Mexico and Poland) and England will be an entirely different proposition.

Although getting involved in friendlies is always dangerous it could pay to bet on under 2.5 goals. It’s a bet that England’s terrible scoring record will continue and unless new coach Capello has performed a miracle you should be on safe ground by following the advice.

Recommended Bet:
3pts on under 2.5 Goals at 5/6 or better