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England and Sweden meet on Friday evening in what looks to be an extremely significant game in Group D.
Looking at England to being with, they had a solid start to Euro 2012 with a 1-1 against France. Roy Hodgson will take a lot of positives from the game where his side look well organised.
It was a tough test for The Three Lions as France are hopeful of going all the way in the tournament. The important thing was not to lose the match.
Joleon Lescott was on the score sheet for England after Steven Gerrard delivered a fantastic free-kick and they looked dangerous from set-pieces throughout the game.
This is now a game that Hodgson’s men must go and win if they are to progress in the competition and show that they are progressing.
The likes of Danny Welbeck and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showed spells of quality in the game with good strength, pace and creativity at times. Gerrard and Scott Parker also played well in the centre of midfield.
As for Sweden, it was a poor start to Euro 2012 for them, they found themselves 1-0 up against Ukraine but ended up losing the match 2-1.
They only have themselves to blame for this though as sloppy marking for Ukraine’s second goal gifted them the victory.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the man on the target for Erik Hamren’s side and he looked to be their only real threat in front of goal. Other players must step up to the plate as Ibrahimovic cannot do it all alone.
It is now a massive test for Sweden who would have seen the match against the co-hosts as the most winnable. They will have to be at their very best to make it to the knockout stages.
Match Odds
England are the favourites to come out on top in this encounter with odds of 2.00 (evens) with SkyBet.
Sweden know they will have it all to do to beat an England side that is difficult to break down. You can back them at 4.00 (3/1) with StanJames. A draw is available at 3.25 (9/4) with Bet365.
First Goal-Scorer
With his recent good form in front of goal, Ashley Young is one of the players most likely to get the scoring underway. He is being offered at 9.00 (8/1) with BlueSQ.
It is no surprise that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is Sweden’s favourite to break the deadlock. He can also be backed 9.00 (8/1) with William Hill.
Recommended Bet
England could really turn on the style here as the pressure is on them to get the win. A 3-0 win to Roy Hodgson’s team has odds of 19.00 (18/1) with Paddy Power.
