Germany vs England – Capello puts his faith in five for penalties
Published:Fabio Capello has chosen England’s five penalty takers as they prepare for a possible penalty-shoot out when they meet Germany in the round of 16.
Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, James Milner and Gareth Barry are reported to be the five players Capello has chosen.
All five are regular, successful penalty takers for their clubs, and if they can replicate the same conviction in South Africa, it could be worth backing England to beat Germany on penalties at 11/1.
This second round fixture promises to be close, as all four World Cup ties between England and Germany have been level after 90 minutes.
England have only once beaten Germany at a World Cup, in the 1966 final. Geoff Hurst famously sealed the win in extra-time, and an England win after extra-time in South Africa is 10/1.
When the teams last met in a friendly in 2008, England won 2-1. Goals from Matthew Upson and John Terry secured victory, and Upson is 50/1 to open the scoring against Germany this time. Terry is 25/1 to score first.
Having seen their team knocked out on penalties in both their last two major tournaments (to Portugal in 2006 and 2004), England fans will be wary of a potential shoot-out.
Gerrard and Lampard (as well as Jamie Carragher) missed their spot kicks four years ago, and Capello will be hoping that history does not repeat itself against Germany.
Lampard has also missed his last two penalties, with his latest coming for England in their friendly win against Japan. Lampard is 3/1 to score at any time.
Germany have only once failed to reach the quarter-finals, and they are evens to qualify for the last eight at England’s expense.
England, however, will also be confident of progressing. Their win against Slovenia has generated momentum and boosted morale in the England camp, and they are 4/5 to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Can England get the job done without penalties? They are 8/5 to win in 90 minutes. See the full Germany vs England market.
