ENGLAND vs USA (International Friendly)

<1.38> <3.80> <7.10>

Well. England are favourites to win this one, and rightly so. With "cabbage man" Capello in charge, everyone has been talking about how he's a strict manager who does not place importance in off pitch relationships with the players, drawing a clear distinction between manager and player. This will make the English players play to impress their new manager and they will raise their game for this. Thus I'm backing England. Furthermore, the USA team comprises of many players who haven't impressed in the premiership - DaMarcus Beasley sucked for ManCity, Clint Dempsey hasn't scored for Fulham in ages, Carlos Bocanegra was just released by Fulham... All of which points towards 1 fact: these players can't do it in the premiership. And they are up against the precise same opponents - English Premiership players. So England to win. By a mile. Oh and Capello has promised a strike partner for Rooney, who will play a second striker role, so expect an attacking 4-4-2 line up which will result in goals.

- Roland's prediction: $10 on England @ 1.38 = $13.80
$5 on England -1.5 @ 2.15 = $10.75

and i have to agree with roland. england shouldn't have any trouble at all overcoming usa here, but whether it's gonna be quite as comfortable as he suggests, i'm not too sure. usa, after all, have a very fit side, and on fitness alone, they probably are equals with england. usa have quality in their ranks though, players like clint dempsey will ensure england's midfield have little time to play around, while landon donovan and brian mcbride will not be the easiest guys to mark. and roland says in the epl, usa players come up short, but the reason for me thinking this might not be so easy is the form of the players between the sticks. whether it's friedel, hahnemann, howard or keller, they're one of the best in the league. in any case, england win, but i'm not confident enough to back them on the handicap.

- Eddy's prediction: $10 on england @ 1.38 = $13.80