England vs Slovenia Betting Pick | World Cup

World Cup

2010-06-23 - England vs Slovenia

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

As England heads into their final group match with Slovenia they need to win this match at all costs or risk being eliminated and suffer one of the most embarassing exit from the World Cup history.

Many had expectedc England to progressed to the next stage without any problems when the draw was initially made. Now Fabio Capello's men have to beat Slovenia in Port Elizabeth to be sure of qualifying for the last 16 in a tournament they were expected to do well under the guidance of Capello.

Even though they started poorly against USA, many had expected them to cruise through against Algeria. But they under-estimated Algeria as the match ended in a goalless draw.

There has been news of discontent in the England camp with a supporter confronting David Beckham in the dressing room, Capello lamenting former captain John Terry's decision to reveal all in a press conference ahead of a private meeting, and the out-of-form Wayne Rooney's inexplicable outburst at television cameras criticising the supporters' decision to boo their own team.

And then there are some players who are calling Cappello to change the team formation and tactics ahead of the game where it is also reported that his job is also on the line.

But Capello has chosen not to reveal his lineup once again although there are calls for Joe Cole and a 4-5-1 formation, with Rooney as a lone striker in this match.

As for Slovenia they will be dissappointed that they have not taken two wins out of two. They were 2 goals up against the Americans but then a brave comeback from the Americans and they were lucky to get the point in the end.

Slovenia is likely to play a defensive approach here. They will aim to get the draw and also make it for the first time in their history to qualify for the last 16.

The player to watch out for in the Slovenia side will be Auxerre playmaker Valter Birsa as he was outstanding against the US when he scored one of the goals of the tournament to date. strikers Milivoje Novakovic and Zlatan Ljubijankic are also players to be mindful as they caused the US problems.

But it is worth noting that they did showed sign of weakness in the second half against the US and this is something that England could exploit if the first half remains goalless.

England who will start in red shirt are the favourites here no doubt and if the likes of Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard play to their true abilites than they cannot have any excuse for not beating Slovenia here.

Their only fitness problem ahead of the game is with Ledley King, who will miss the game with the Tottenham defender still nursing the groin injury suffered against the US. Jamie Carragher,who replaced King is out as he is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournamen against Algeria. That means that West Ham defender Matthew Upson will take his place at the heart of defence.

There is every indication that Heskey will be replaced with Jermain Defoe in the side while other decision will be up to Capello.

As for Slovenia, defender Marko Suler is likely to miss the match after sustaining a rib injury against the US and is set to be replaced by Matej Mavric at centre-back.

They will also be without midfielder Nejc Pecnik, who was a substitute against the Americans, but was flown home after breaking his ankle and will be out for the next three months.

Slovenia goes into this match needing only a point so it looks likely that the coach will go on the defensive and set up a wall to frustrate England and prevent them from scoring here.

But this is make or break for England and take the Three Lions to get the win here and to clear the handicap.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser