Group C betting preview

Group C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia

Much like Group B and Argentina, this one is all about the scrap to finish second behind England. The Three Lions have been granted a favourable draw and should comfortably top the group with the remaining spot firmly up for grabs for the side who can string two decent performances together after the expected defeat to England.

Algeria won their own World Cup with victory over Egypt in the November play-off which saw them clinch qualification. Little is expected of the Desert Foxes who will see their best chance in the opening game against Slovenia. Algeria were well beaten by the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in a recent friendly and will meet stiffer opponents than the Irish in Group C.

England have more than enough strength in depth despite recent injury woes to top the group. Under Fabio Capello the perennial underachievers have made light work of the lesser outfits but have come up short against top sides like Brazil and Spain. A technically good team like Slovenia in their final match may cause them some problems, but expect England to overpower Algeria and USA.

Slovenia caused a surprise by eliminating the fancied Russians in last year's play off. Boasting the second best defensive record in qualification, and won both their warm up matches. Playing England last is an advantage as if things go according to expectations the favourites should have already qualified giving Slovenia a better chance of nicking a point. After all, they didn't exactly disgrace themselves in the friendly at Wembley last September.


USA is still buzzing after their feats in last year's Confederations Cup when they beat Spain and lost narrowly to Brazil in the final. Bob Bradley's side have been hit and miss in preparations losing 4-2 to the Czech Republic at home but beating Turkey and Australia. This team know their limitations but certainly won't be found wanting for effort.

Betting Potential
There are buckets of markets on England if you want to back David James to start against USA, for instance, at 1.57. The Three Lions to grab seven points is nicely priced at 3.00 as is hot-headed Wayne Rooney to see red at some stage during the tournament at 9.0. Neither Algeria or America have got good disciplinary records, just take a look back at the Confederations Cup and African Cup of Nations for a guideline, and will take glee in winding up the Manchester United superstar. Time will tell if 'Wazza' has matured.

To Qualify
England 1.05
USA 1.62
Slovenia 2.75
Algeria 4.80

Not to qualify
England 9.80
USA 2.10
Slovenia 1.40
Algeria 1.17

Best Bet
Slovenia to beat Algeria at 2.20. These are very generous odds given how strong defensively Slovenia are plus Algeria are no great shakes against European opponents. Snap this one up while you can. Between 2-3 goals in this one is priced at 1.90 and worth a bet too

Outside Bet
USA to score first against England at 3.14. No doubt the States will be reminded of their famous 1-0 win 60 years ago and they caught Brazil and Spain on the hop last year with early goals. It's worth a shot just to see Don Fabio going crazy on the sideline.