2018 World Cup Betting Prediction: Tunisia vs. England Odds
Sure, expectations for England at this World Cup haven’t been nearly as high as previous tournaments, but that’s not to say they aren’t expected to take care of business against squads they should beat. That’s the case for Monday’s match with Tunisia, a club that could be tricky to solve.
World Cup 2018: Tunisia vs. England Odds and Betting Analysis
World Cup Moneyline Betting Odds: England -300
Date: Monday, June 18, 2 p.m. ET
England was set as a -269 favourite to win this game outright earlier and have ballooned up to -300 since. Tunisia is a major underdog to take all three points at +800, though savvy bettors (and England naysayers) might like the draw here at +393 currently. Harry Kane, the new England captain, will want to set an example here and is at -127 to score in this opening match. If he can get on the score sheet in this one, that’s a very good sign for England moving forward.
Tunisia is very solid at midfield and will aim to keep England’s attack in check, while the Three Lions come into this tournament with many changes. They’re young and inexperienced, so it’s either they embrace this big stage straight away, or the pressure of the World Cup and this tight Tunisian side proves to be too much just yet.
Tunisia
Tunisia just isn’t the same team with Youssef Msakni on the sidelines. The 27-year-old star midfielder has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury and Tunisia has been forced to switch their game plan without him. To make matters worse, Wahbi Khazri and Ali Maaloul aren’t fit yet either, so this will be a seriously shorthanded group.
They’ll still be a team that battles hard in midfield and focuses on limiting opponents’ chances more than they’d push to go forward, but without Msakni they just don’t have many attacking threats. Expect them to try to defend at all costs in hopes of a draw.
England
England is unbeaten in their last 10 with seven victories over that stretch and it appears as though they’ll stick with what’s been working. Reports indicate that no less than nine of England’s expected starters will be playing their first ever World Cup match. Clearly, Southgate is taking this youth movement seriously. England will likely use three fullbacks and five in midfield for this match to go toe-to-toe with Tunisia’s stacked midfield. The middle of the pitch will be where this game is won. If England can supply Kane and Raheem Sterling with quality balls they should find the back of the net.
Tunisia vs. England Prediction
England 2, Tunisia 0: As much as this England team lacks World Cup experience it also lacks international disappointment, which is probably just as important. Southgate is pulling the right strings with this side and as long as the Three Lions keep their heads and their shape early, they should take home the three points here.
