Live on ITV1: Weds 19.30: England are 15/8 (BetVictor) to win a potentially goal-laden friendly in Sweden, where Zlatan Ibrahimovic can strike.
From the 23-man squad at Roy Hodgson’s disposal for the World Cup qualifier in Poland a month ago, fewer than half of the players are available as England head to Stockholm to face Sweden in a friendly contest.
It will inevitably be a much-changed line-up that takes to the field in the Friends Arena, with several uncapped players looking for their debuts and while that could make for an entertaining encounter, it doesn’t make life easy for punters in what is something of a betting minefield.
Stan James make the hosts 8/5, with England a 15/8 chance courtesy of BetVictor and a draw available at a not unappealing 23/10 (Skybet) but in reality all outcomes are possible even if the slightly more experienced Swedes just about deserve their status as marginal favourites.
It might be a shrewder move to concentrate on goals given that it finished 3-2 to the Three Lions when the pair met at Euro 2012 and in light of the fact that is likely to be an open affair.
With that in mind, bet365’s 5/6 for both teams to get on the scoresheet catches the eye and a case can be made for a match tally of three or more goals at 6/5 (Stan James). For more ambitious punters however, decent rewards are potentially available for those chancing their arm as William Hill post a generous 3/1 against the clash throwing up at least four goals.
From an England perspective, Danny Welbeck provides the greatest attacking threat and he’s 15/2 (bet365) to break the deadlock in the Swedish capital. BetVictor meanwhile, quote 12/1 for Steven Gerrard to mark his 100th cap with the opening goal but it’s perhaps worth leaving loyalties at the door and backing Paris St Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic at 11/2 via Ladbrokes to notch first.
Recommended Bets:
Over 3.5 goals in the match – 3/1 (William Hill)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score first – 11/2 (Ladbrokes)
Compare all International football odds and bet at the best price
