Live on ITV1: Sat 17.15: Roy Hodgson made a triumphant start to life as England boss as Ashley Young bagged the only goal of the game in Norway but victory came at a cost as Gareth Barry was ruled out of Euro 2012 with an injury, Everton’s Phil Jagielka coming into the squad to replace him.
England complete their warm-up for the European Championship on Saturday as they host Belgium and BetVictor make Hodgson odds-on at 8/15 to double his win tally, ensuring that the ‘Three Lions’ head to their Polish training base in buoyant mood.
Boylesports price the visitors at 7/1 to put a dampener on England’s preparations at Wembley, where it’s 3/1 courtesy of Coral to finish all square and with the hosts likely to be keen to avoid more injuries, just over a week before facing France in Donetsk, some punters might fancy a tentative stalemate.
Skybet’s 12/1 chalked against a goalless encounter could attract cash then especially as chances were few and far between in Oslo but on their own patch, England should be capable of breaking down a Belgian side that drew 2-2 with Montenegro last time. Another success by a one-goal margin isn’t without appeal then at 13/5 (BetVictor) and bet365 price Hodgson’s charges at 6/1 to again grab the only goal of the game.
Punters expecting a more entertaining affair containing three or more goals – a tally Skybet quote at 4/5 – can tackle a 2-1 victory at odds of 15/2 with Ladbrokes while Betfred rate the hosts at 11/10 to be in front at the end of each half.
Saturday’s match winner, Young, is 11/2 courtesy of Paddy Power to break the deadlock again and powerful Liverpool front man Andy Carroll is a 9/2 chance via Coral in the same market.
Linking up with the squad having shrugged off a niggling injury, Wayne Rooney might be given a few minutes of game time at some stage and Stan James make the Manchester United man even money to find the net at any time while viewers might have to wait for the opening goal, which is 21/20 (BetVictor) to arrive after the 27-minute mark.
Recommended Bets:
England to beat Belgium by a one-goal margin – 13/5 (BetVictor)
Andy Carroll to score first – 9/2 (Coral)
Compare all England v Belgium odds and bet at the best price.
