World Cup Betting: Two of the marquee teams in soccer will play on Saturday in the World Cup as Italy takes on England in Group D action on ESPN. Group D is expected to be very competitive with Italy, England and Uruguay battling for the top two spots. This match on Saturday looks to be really event with Italy a slight favorite. Here is a look at the match and World Cup predictions.
Italy +160, England +205, Draw +205, total 2 under
The money line has Italy at -130 while England is +110.
England Playing for the Win
Based on the World Cup betting odds it would be easy to see this match ending in a tie but England coach Roy Hodgson said he is playing for the win. “I’d like to win it (the Italy clash),” said Hodgson, “When we get the ball we are going to go for it, we are going to attack. We are going to encourage our attacking players to do what we do.” England hasn’t been that impressive in recent friendlies but Hodgson said his team has talented players. “We’ve got impact players,” said Hodgson. “We’ve spoken a lot about Raheem Sterling and it’s a pity he can’t play. Ross Barkley is another you could put into that category. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is, too.”
How Will Italy Score?
The Italian team is going to struggle to score. They are without midfielder Riccardo Montolivo and they have a lot of older players who are not going to play 90 minutes. Andrea Pirlo is good but he can’t play the full game and others could have similar fitness issues in the heat in Brazil. It will come down as it oftentimes does to Mario Balotelli. If he scores they can win but if he is off his game they will lose.
World Cup Predictions
On paper it seems like Group D is a really tough one but I don’t think Italy is that good and England has never done anything. Uruguay should win this group going away. In this match on Saturday I will take Hodgson at his word and believe that England will attack. I will take England at +205 on Saturday.
