Tuesday 24/06/2014, 18:00, World Cup Group D, Costa Rica vs England

Costa Rica vs England Betting Preview

England can consider itself lucky to play the last game against Costa Rica, but only if they manage to avoid defeat in the first two games. Italy and Uruguay are the favorites to advance to the next stage for a reason, and it is quite possible for the two teams to settle for a draw in the last round if that would see them through. This is a nightmarish scenario for England, but even so they need to do their part and claim all three points against the mediocre team from South America.

Costa Rica vs England Betting Odds

At Bet365

Costa Rica 7.00, Draw 3.30, England 1.45

Costa Rica vs England Betting Tips

England underperformed at the last two world cups, which explains why the fans are no longer enthusiastic about their chances to make a deep run in Brazil. They start with the second chance against both Uruguay and Italy, but they are overwhelming favorites to win the match against Costa Rica.

Offensively, England has more options than it did two years ago when they were only eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Euro 2012. They scored few goals but played pretty well defensively and were lucky to be eliminated at penalty shootouts by Italy who eventually played the final.

Hodgson won't have too many opportunities to test his strikers at the World Cup, as he will have to defend against both Italy and Uruguay. These two teams are very dangerous if given the chance, so England will need to wait for the last match of the group stage to score a bucket full of goals.

Costa Rica has a strong midfield and a decent backline and that's what got them through during the qualifying campaign. Trying to score a goal on the counterattack will be their strategy for this fixture, but once they concede, they will have to come out firing and they will expose themselves.

Key Facts

• England played many friendly games against teams from South America in the two months preceding World Cup and only won against Peru.
• In five games played ahead of the World Cup, Costa Rica won once and lost four times while allowing a total of 10 goals.

Costa Rica vs England Betting Odds Prediction

There is no value in the odds offered by bookmakers for England to win outright, but the odds can be boosted if you're willing to take a leap of faith with the three Lions. England to cover the -1.5 goals spread is priced at 2.10, but the odds are expected to drop as kickoff draws near, so punters are advised to place their bets sooner rather than later.

Bet: England -1.5 goals @ 2.10 with Bet365