Wrapping up Friday’s World Cup action in Group B, England (1 win, 0 losses, 0 draws) will battle the USA (0-0-1) at Al Bayt Stadium set. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the England vs. USA odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
England absolutely spanked Iran in its World Cup opener 6-2. England M Bukayo Saka led the scoring with 2 goals, referred to as a “brace” in soccer speak.
England had 79% of possession and 5 more shots (4 more shots on target). On a sour note for the England, F Harry Kane injured his ankle vs. Iran. He will be availalbe for the USA match, but the concern is if he will be 100%.
USA had an unsatisfying 1-1 draw with the F Gareth Bale-led Wales. US score 1st, early in the 1st half, but a late bad foul in the box by D Walker Zimmerman led to a penalty kick goal by Bale.
The Americans shockingly did not play M Gio Reyna, who will be 100% healthy and likely to start Friday. USA actually had 2 fewer shots on goal and 1 less shot on target vs. Wales despite having 59% of the possession.
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England vs. USA odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: England -205 (bet $205 to win $100) | USA +620 (bet $100 to win $620) | Draw +350
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)
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Prediction
England 2, USA 1
Moneyline (ML)
PASS.
There’s no value here. There wasn’t enough value Wednesday afternoon when England was favored at -170, and there’s definitely no value with the line up to -205 Friday before kickoff.
If I had to choose something, it would be the Draw (+350). USA played better than the numbers look against Wales, and England got on a role vs. Iran. What was impressive for the Americans, was their ability to limit quality Welsh chances.
Unlike Iran, USA has speed on the defensive edges in D Sergino Dest and D Antonee Robinson to help tame what England’s Saka and F Raheem Sterling are capable of doing.
It would be nice to profit 6.2 times an initial bet on the USMNT (+620), but I don’t see it happening. Still, if you want to gamble and win on a decent long shot … it would be fun to brag about cashing a USA (+620) ticket.
The unknown regarding Kane’s injury also makes the draw enticing. I would still PASS though with just a slight lean to the Draw (+350).
Over/Under (O/U)
BET OVER 2.5 (-120).
England looked unstoppable against Iran, and while the point still stands for Dest and Robinson, both received a full dose of work against Wales and could have tired legs.
The quality on the England side is difficult to overlook. England had 13 shots and put 7 on target. It controlled possession and looked incredible with its finishing. I expect a similar result.
England did, however, give up 2 goals to Iran, and the USA attack, led by Chelsea F Christian Pulisic, should be even more lethal. If the USMNT can get at least 3 shots on target, expect 1 to be converted.
The pace of this game, especially with the excitement on both ends, should produce goals as well. Each team was over 80% in passing accuracy, so they should be able to breakthrough backlines with that efficiency.
Also see: England vs. USA best prop bets
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