England will start their quest for a second World Cup Title, Saturday June 12, against the USA, at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. England is one of seven national teams to have won the FIFA World Cup, which they did in 1966 when they hosted the finals. World Cup oddsmakers at BODOG.com have England as -200 moneyline favorite over USA (+450) with the over/under set at 2.5 goals . Be sure to get your England vs USA Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group B in now at BODOG.com
England put together a near-perfect qualifying campaign under new coach Fabio Capello. They won nine of their ten games while scoring 34 goals – six more than Spain, the next best – to top Europe's goal chart with Wayne Rooney joint second in the individual scoring roster. England has been less than impressive in the run-up to South Africa, beating Mexico none-too-convincingly and then only overcoming Japan via two own-goals. Capello, who lost skipper Rio Ferdinand for the entire tournament after sustaining a knee injury in their first training session, was also unhappy with the first-half performance in a practice match against the Platinum Stars. He is likely to install Ledley King, who has his own fitness worries, alongside John Terry in the heart of the defence while Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips might earn surprise starting roles to augment Wayne Rooney's attacking thrust.
USA lost just twice in the final six-team Hexagonal phase of North, Central America and Caribbean Zone, finishing a point ahead of second-placed Mexico. USA stock rose big time with their performances at FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 where USA ousted favourites Spain in the semi-finals before going down to a narrow 3-2 final defeat to Brazil. They are likely to stick with the tried and trusted formula that saw them reach the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup with midfielder Michael Bradley, son of the coach, warning their opponents to expect a physical approach. Three of the USA's six wins in 25 FIFA World Cup encounters were achieved against European opposition . Jozy Altidore was impressive in qualifying and became the youngest ever hat-trick hero in US history. He will prove a powerful opponent for Terry, England's former skipper, who's star has fallen during a difficult second half to last season. With his regular England partner, Ferdinand, absent, it will be down to Terry to keep the US heavy-hitters at bay.
“If we give up too many wide free-kicks and direct free-kicks, we will probably get punished for it. It's important we're solid in defence and not leave guys open one-on-one," Tim Howard, USA goalkeeper.
"The big difference is that we've got a fit Wayne Rooney in this squad. And the squad is quite experienced. Obviously we're missing Rio but this squad is balanced. I think this is a lot of guys' last chance, considering their age at this World Cup," Joe Cole, England midfielder.
England vs USA
When: Saturday, June 12 – 11:30 AM ET
Line: BODOG.com
Pick: England -200
Point-Spreads.com England vs USA Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group B
The Bottom Line: England are far more dominant. Be sure to get your England vs USA Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group B in now at BODOG.com and receive a 10% deposit bonus.
