Plucky Estonians set to make Three Lions work hard in Tallinn qualifier
YOU COULD argue that by beating Switzerland 2-0 in their opener, that England have already won Group E and last night’s win over San Marino at Wembley was as expected as it was meaningless – at least in terms of assessing how much progress the Three Lions have made since the World Cup debacle.
Many are expecting Sunday’s trip to Estonia to be another walkover, but I’m not so sure. The opposition have won three on the bounce at home and have only lost two of their last 10 there. The calibre of rival has not been great, but they managed to hold Netherlands to a 2-2 draw last September.
England won both legs 3-0 against Estonia in the ill-fated qualification campaign for Euro 2008, but the latter have improved nearly 50 places in the rankings since then.
As Roy Hodgson’s men were in action last night, markets for this clash hadn’t been finalised. However, Sporting Index are likely to be trading England supremacy at 1.7-1.9. In my book a narrow England win looks the most probable outcome and a goalfest looks unlikely.
It took England 58 minutes to break down Switzerland in their last away game, and the Swiss had several chances to take the lead during that time.
My advice would be to sell England total goals at 3 with Sporting Index. I can see this being tight and even goalless come the break. If that’s the case then spread bettors should have a decent opportunity to cash out for a profit.
■ Pointers…
Sell England total goals at 3 with Sporting Index