On paper, this looks like a mismatch for the ages, but when England takes to the field for Monday’s round of 16 clash against Iceland, don’t expect a lopsided affair.
European Championship newcomers Iceland has shocked the soccer world even to get to this point after finishing second in Group F with five points. Nobody gave Iceland a chance to win a game let alone reach the knockout stage.
“Of course, everyone expects England to win against a little country like Iceland,” co-manager Heimir Hallgrimsson told telegraph.co.uk. “It is a little bit more pressure. I would guess that in the mind of the people in England, it is only a game to lose. For the people of Iceland, this game is not seen in that way. I wouldn’t want to be (England manager) Roy Hodgson if he lost to Iceland.”
England got off to a slow start after opening the tournament with a draw against Russia. Roy Hodgson’s side bounced back with a much-needed victory over Wales that paved the way to its second-place finish in Group B.
This will be the first time these to countries will do battle at a major competition. In two previous meetings, England has outscored their opponents 7-2 in a victory and a draw.
Bovada has a +215 line that England will escape this match by a one-goal margin and a -250 line that it will happen in regulation time. England is also -115 favorites to record a shutout victory.
English striker Daniel Sturridge is the favorite to net the opening goal for his team at +250. Bovada also has the Liverpool star at +160 to score a goal at any point of the match — a great value as Sturridge has proven he can be England’s offensive saviour in the tournament.
Perhaps this will also be the match Wayne Rooney breaks through. The Manchester United forward has been somewhat unlucky so far despite having three shots on target. Rooney has 52 international goals to his name and is always a threat to score in big games like this. Bovada has Rooney at +500 to score the match’s opening goal.
Iceland has proved it can compete against the top teams in the world after holding Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal to a draw during the group stage. Iceland produced four goals while surrendering three in Group F action.
Gylfi Thor Sigurdsson has scored once in the tournament and once again is Iceland’s best weapon to get past England. Bovada has the midfielder at +400 to score at any point of the match and a +500 favorite to net Iceland’s opening goal.
This match will be a lot closer than what the lines indicate as Iceland will make things interesting and will surely cause headaches for English defenders. However, experience will be the determining factor here. Despite England’s track record of disappointment at major tournaments, they’ve been in this situation before, whereas for Iceland, this pressure is all new for them.
It won’t be a blowout, but England will survive and advance to the final eight.
Pick: England (-185)
Category : News
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