England vs Wales is LIVE on ITV1 – Kick-off at 19:45 UK.
England are all set to guarantee their position in the Euro 2012 Championships, should they manage to successfully overcome the challege of Wales. Friday’s win leaves England three points clear of Montenegro with just two games remaining. A win tonight should ensure that when they head to Montenegro in October all they will need to do on the night to qualify in as the group’s winners is to avoid an absolute drubbing!
In spite of missing a few key players on Friday, most notably Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere, England vastly outperformed Bulgaria away from home, with a convincing cameo from Wayne Rooney helping the Three Lions to all three points. The squad for tonight’s match looks even thinner, with Leighton Baines, Darren Bent and Micah Richards all having been sent home by Fabio Capello because they are suffering from injuries.
Whilst much of the team will pick itself, doubt remains on whether Theo Walcott will keep his place on the left hand side. Hart will start in nets, with Smalling and Cahill having done enough to convince Don Fabio of their ability against Bulgaria. John Terry and Ashley Cole will add some experience to the back line. Parker and Barry will again be given the task of screening the defence, with the most adventurous and attacking midfield duties being handed to two of Downing, Walcott and Adam Johnson. Ashley Young linked up well with his new clubmate Wayne Rooney on Friday, and is expected to start in the deep-striker role.
England are certainly favourites for the tie, with bookmakers putting them at just 1/7 (at Victor Chandler) for the win. Admittedly odds are always skewed in England favour because of the vast amounts spent on backing them, but even by England’s standards this is low.
SCORE BET
If we were betting men (and we are!) we would be looking at backing England to win 3-0 (11/2 at Bet Clic ) or 4-0 (10/1 at Bet Clic).
GOALSCORER BET
With Rooney on current form, we’d also advise sticking some of your hard-earned cash on him to score. If you’re brave you can back him as First Goalscorer (5/2 at William Hill) but we’re playing the percentages by betting on him as Anytime Goalscorer instead (4/7 at Paddy Power).
YOU CAN’T LOSE
We’ve got a fantastic deal going with Bet Clic – you really can’t lose! You can place upto £30 on any bet you want. If you win then you are ££££ in. If you lose, BetClic will refund the money. You can then either place it on a different bet, or simply withdraw the money again! Thats a genuinely cost-free £30 bet. Stick it on Rooney like we have, and you could be £15 richer without risking any of your own cash!
We’re always keen to hear who our readers are sticking money on, so please do let us know what you think will happen in the comments below!