World Cup Poll: Can England beat Italy in Manaus?
Published:The World Cup party is in full swing now after Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Croatia in the opening game but for England fans attention is starting to turn towards Saturday’s clash with Italy.
Expectation is at an all-time low for the Three Lions heading into a major tournament but with the emergence of Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana from last season, English fans are hopeful of a good showing in Brazil.
But Roy Hodgson’s men, who are 28/1 to win the World Cup, face a tough task in qualifying from Group D against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.
If they are to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stages then taking points from their opening clash against the Italians in Manaus will be vital.
Not only must Hodgson’s side cope with the threat of Mario Balotelli and co but also the sweltering conditions they will face in the Amazon.
England will face alien conditions of temperatures up to 30 degrees and will also have to battle 80% humidity and with that in mind Ladbrokes’ football traders have priced Roy’s boys at 21/10 for victory in the Amazon rainforest city.
The conditions will be the same for both sides but Italy, who beat England in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals, are favourites with the bookie at 6/4.
But with the conditions taken into account and the fact both sides will be desperate to avoid defeat at the Arena Amazonia, the draw is available at odds of 2/1.
We’ve now heard what the bookie makes of England v Italy so now we want to know your thoughts on this crunch World Cup clash!
Can England make the perfect start to their campaign or will things turn sour for Hodgson and his team as the Italians run riot? Or will it be the much anticipated stalemate in the heat of the Amazonian Rainforest?
Vote right now on the Ladbrokes News England v Italy poll!
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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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