England v Denmark (Wembley 20:00 KO)
Roy Hodgson has called on his England players to show they are desperate to be selected for the World Cup by putting in a good performance in the England v Denmark clash tonight.
The Three Lions welcome the Danes to Wembley for the last international match before the end of the domestic season, meaning it is the last chance to impress for many of Hodgson’s squad.
The England coach has selected a 30-man squad for the friendly clash and the likes of Luke Shaw, Jay Rodriquez, Ashley Cole, Steven Caulker, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling are all hoping to shine as the competition for a spot on the plane to Brazil heats up.
Hodgson is eager to take advantage of the desire of his players to represent their nation at the World Cup and has told them a good showing against Denmark will go a long way to enhancing their chances of a call-up.
“I’m looking for a good performance against Denmark, I’m looking to see group of players show they take it very seriously and that they’re anxious that I shall pick them,” said Hodgson.
“I’m not going to pick someone for the World Cup just because he scores against Denmark tomorrow, or leave someone out if they have a poor game. But every time you pull on an England shirt you open yourself up to praise or criticism. But a good performance give us a boost of confidence before we meet up for serious business of the World Cup.”
England are 8/13 to win the friendly, with Denmark 11/2 to throw a spanner in Hodgson’s plans.
Hodgson is expected to give some of the inexperienced players in his squad a run out, with Southampton left-back Shaw tipped to win his first cap.
Tottenham’s Kyle Walker will miss the game though, meaning Glen Johnson is likely to earn his 50th cap at right-back.
Hodgson has refused to reveal who might feature against the Danes but says he will give chances to those players he feels will enhance his World Cup squad.
“We brought Luke Shaw here because his performances merited it and it would be nice to get him on the field, but I don’t want to make any promises,” he added.
“Ahead of the World Cup, I think the main challenges are to select a well-balanced squad and make sure that when the whistle blows in Manaus that we feel 100{70aeb3532cb26dbe277d25ea128ebb74de84b9bd22e1583b0eb1b73768e061f6} ready for the challenge ahead.”
The England head coach went on to confirm that he had brought in leading sports psychologist Dr Steven Peters to aid with the squad in their preparations for this summer’s tournament.
Hodgson will name a preliminary 30-man squad on 13th May ahead of the World Cup before cutting that down to a 23-man travelling party on 2nd June.
England will then begin their World Cup campaign on 14th June against Italy, a game they are 2/1 to win, with the Azzurri 6/4.
Tonights outcome….
Both nations had a high percentage of friendlies go Over 2.5 Goals in 2013 and looks worth backing at 2.2, but perhaps the best bet is to back Both teams to Score at 2.1. The Danes have scored at least once in nine of their last 10 internationals, including scoring eight in their last four away games.
If the game ends up being a dull low-scoring encounter then this will be a loser but if we envisage goals and Denmark getting on the scoresheet at some point then consider backing the 2-1 (10.0) and 3-1 (18.0) in the correct Scores market with a view to Cashing Out.
It’s difficult to say exactly at which point to lock in a profit but if the game reaches a 1-1 scoreline at anytime before the 60th minute then the market will be heavily in favour of England scoring next, so cashing out at this point is advisable.
Suggested Bets
Back Both teams to Score @ 2.1
Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.2
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