No World Cup team lets down gamblers more than England. Every four years the Three Lions are touted as championship materiel. Yet they prove to be World Cup betting overlays every time. Yet this year could actually be different. England has gone through a vast roster transition. Most believe it was well overdue. Fresh new blood is now on the team. A new head coach is also at the helm. Nobody is saying the English will win their first title since 1966. But many punters are giving them a strong look. Tunisia, conversely, is lightly regarded.
England Vs. Tunisia
Date and Time: Monday, June 18, 2018, 2 p.m. ET
Location: Volgograd Arena, Volgograd
World Cup Betting Online Odds at your favorite sporstbook: England -1 ½ (+106), Tunisia +1 ½ (-121), Over 2 ½ (-104), Under 2 ½ (-111), England -285, Tunisia +915, Draw +430
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: Check Listings
Tunisia’s Struggle
Tunisia is on the World Cup sportsbook betting board for the first time in 12 years. And it was a struggle to get to Russia. Henryk Kasperzak was sacked after an eight game losing streak. This occurred in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Nabil Maaloul took the helm and righted the ship with a 4-2-3-1 mark. This is his second stint has head coach. He quit the team during the 2014 qualifying campaign. Maaloul freed the fullbacks to attack. Things improved in the group phase with six wins in eight games. A victory over improved Congolese clinched qualification.
Youssef Msakni
The man to watch on Tunisia is Youssef Msakni. Few players can match him as a creative force. One concern is his decision to take the money to play for Al Duhail. Choosing to play in Qatar may have prevented his full development. That’s because the competition level is substandard. Of further concern is a knee injury that may keep him out. Another sportsbook online worry is motivation. Teams like Tunisia are often just happy to be at the party.
England
As much as England is derided they have not lost a qualifying match since 2009. And that 39 game streak is for the major competition category. Manager Gareth Southgate took the helm one year ago. And he has wasted no time making his mark. The famed veteran striker Wayne Rooney was moved out. Which is indicative of the Three Lions getting serious about a rebuild. Southgate’s young team often experiments from the 3-4-2-1 formation. But just 18 goals in 10 qualifying wins raises eyebrows.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane is the man to watch for England. The Tottenham Hotspur striker scored several clutch goals during qualifying. He is so respected that he was named team captain. Fellow Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli is capable of slick moves. Manchester City’s Kyle Walker is a strong attacking right back. And Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford attacked well off the bench.
Matchup to Watch
This is a World Cup sportsbook betting mismatch. England has superior depth. And players used to competing against the best in the pros. The only concern is getting more secondary scoring. For this game its not likely to be a factor.
World Cup Betting Odds Picks
England should get a workmanlike win without much difficulty in this one.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: England
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: England 2, Tunisia 0
Catch England’s top qualifying moments!