Sweden vs. England
Betting Prediction: Sweden (June 15th 2012)
CLICK HERE FOR OUR HANDICAPPER’S EXPERT SPORTS PICKS

As usual, there are a few different lines to choose from. If available, I’m recommending Sweden at +0.5, as a slight favorite. I believe this game has quite a strong shot at a draw and I want to get the victory with Sweden, should this be the case.

Admittedly, the English had a much better result in their opening game. Facing a tough France squad and playing without primary offensive weapon Wayne Rooney, England gutted out a 1-1 draw. Still, if you watched the game you would have seen that France had far more chances while also dominating the match with 64.9% of the possession time.

The Swedes weren’t nearly as happy with their effort. Facing co-host Ukraine, arguably the least talented team in the group, Sweden squandered a 1-0 lead and lost 2-1.

Still, I believe this Swedish team is more capable than it showed in the opener. I also believe that they’ll be more hungry. The Swedes know they desperately need a victory now and they’ll also be looking to show the world they’re better than they played in the loss vs. Ukraine.

Sweden coach Eric Hamren commented: “…We didn’t show the courage we were supposed to. Only five or six players did. We all need all the players doing that. We were cowards in the first half and should have done more. I’m not happy with the team; I was expecting more.”

While I won’t go as far as to say the Swedes are as talented as the English, I do expect them to respond to their coach’s comments by giving everything they’ve got.

England would obviously very much like the win too. However, the English would still probably feel pretty good about their chances of advancing, even if they draw here. After all, they get Ukraine in the final game of group stage and they’ll have Rooney back for that one. They really sat back a lot against France and a similar strategy could occur here. Consider Sweden at +0.5 goal. Or, if that option isn’t available to you and/or if you’d prefer to take a shot at a better return, consider the “draw” option. -Ben Burns