Crouchy’s backing England to take control of Group L
The ‘hard’ part of England’s World Cup ultimately turned into a bit of a cruise after a nervy first half chock full of defensive errors, and with their first 4-2 win at any World Cup since the 1966 final in the bag, their attention turns to 2010 quarter-finalists Ghana.
Fresh from completing the Sagrada Familia without a ladder, our very own World Cup veteran Peter Crouch is back again, and has some scintillating selections for England v Ghana, so… what are you waiting for?
Alt Handicap: England -1
Harry Kane to score
Antoine Semenyo to have 1+ shots on target
Elliot Anderson to commit 1+ fouls
A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 5/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 23, 9pm
WHERE: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
WATCH: BBC One/iPlayer
England were brilliant against Croatia. It was a statement win.
You wouldn’t be happy with conceding those goals, but, in attack, they were fantastic.
I don’t know I could say Harry Kane is England’s greatest ever player, but he’s probably on his way to it. In 20 years time I can imagine we’re saying he is the greatest – at the moment, while he’s still playing, it’s more difficult to say. He’s started his World Cup campaign with two more goals, and if England go on to win the World Cup, then there’d be little room for doubt.
People might worry if something happens to him, but Thomas Tuchel tried Jude Bellingham pushed forward and Morgan Rogers in behind him for a few minutes and it worked well. You also still have Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, who can fill in the centre-forward role, but I think the manager loves Rogers so I could see him looking at Bellingham as a false nine.
Even Tuchel’s move to start with Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke, bringing Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka later, seems like a clever way to go too. It could be a tactical masterstroke if he keeps switching it up throughout the tournament as you’re getting that pace on the pitch when defenders are tired,
It could be a tournament decided by speed rather than guile. We’ve seen quite a few games already – Spain v Cape Verde, Portugal v DR Congo – where you have a lot of talented, technical players, similar to the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, but the favourites couldn’t break down unfancied opposition.
It looks like pace could be the key to this World Cup, at least based on the early stages.
I did think England would be more solid at the back though. Croatia are a good side and can pick teams open, but I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t worry about us defensively if we come up against a team like France – Mbappe, Olise, Doué, Dembele, that is some team. I’m hoping the issues get nipped in the bud during the group stage and they’ll get tighter as the tournament progresses.
I wouldn’t make changes to the backline at the moment though. Reece James looked good, Djed Spence when he came on did well, Marc Guehi might deserve a chance but I wouldn’t change it now. They’re all top players back there and I think they’ll work it out themselves.
Ghana will be another tough game. They weren’t emphatic against Panama, but they won and are a decent side with some big names from the Premier League. Antoine Semenyo had a great season for Bournemouth then Man City and will be a problem England have to deal with.
Jordan Ayew, also a name from the Premier League, was their leading scorer in qualifying and is still expected to lead the line for them at 34.
Carlos Quieroz, who’s so experienced in international football and known for organising teams very well, even going back to his teim as Alex Fersuon’s assistant at Man United, will make them tough to break down.
Alt Handicap: England -1
But I have to back England to win after their performance against Croatia. I wouldn’t be surprised to see that pace off the bench make a difference to the scoreline late and possibly see it finish 3-0. England -1 ought to be part of a Bet Builder or sure.
If you see England scoring goals then Harry Kane has to be considered the likeliest to do the job. He has two already and is going to be in the Golden Boot conversation if England go deep in the tournament.
Semenyo is Ghana’s stand-out talent and if they can get at England’s backline he’s the one who could do the damage.
Elliot Anderson had a great game against Croatia. He was right in amongst them and played some great passes too, especially for Jude Bellingham’s goal. He also had three fouls in the game and regularly had at least one for Forest in each game throughtout the season. Ghana may not possess the ball as much as Croatia did but he should be good for at least one more.
Alt Handicap: England -1
Harry Kane to score
Antoine Semenyo to have 1+ shots on target
Elliot Anderson to commit 1+ fouls
A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 5/1 with Paddy Power.CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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