England look overpriced at 2/1 with Coral and Hills to win their opening game against Italy tonight (11pm KO, Live on BBC1).
The Three Lions have only won two of their last 11 internationals against Italy (D3 L6), and lost to them on penalties in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.
However, unnder Roy Hodgson they have become have been hard to break down and beat, and have some exciting young players who are capable of causing the Italian defence plenty of problems.
I really do think that they are capable of serving it up to the Azzurri, who always seemed to be priced up for every game on their past exploits rather than the present.
Yes, a draw would probably decent result for England if you listen to all the pessimism among the so-called “experts” about their chances.
But to me they have a far better chance than their odds reflect tonight and nothing to fear going into the game.
If they are to triumph, then big performances are needed from Rooney and Sturridge.
Rooney has not scored a goal in 594 minutes of World Cup football for England, but has scored in all six competitive games since Euro 2012 (seven goals).
The Manchester United man undoubtedly be keen to bag his first goal on the big stage, and at 7/1 with Coral and Hills looks worth siding with in the first goalscorer market.
He can also be backed at 23/10 with Paddy Power in the anytime scorer market, and that also looks decent value given that he is as short as 6/4 with other firms.
I am going to take England to win 2-1, and that outcome can be backed at 11/1 with BetVictor, Coral and Ladbrokes.
