Slovenia vs England Preview and Betting Odds

England set to redeem themselves against Slovenia

England needs to get a win against Group C leaders Slovenia at Port Elizabeth on June 23 to guarantee a spot in the next round. If they win, they’ll end up with five points to Slovenia’s four. It’s possible England could go through with a draw if the USA and Algeria also draw. England and the USA would have three points each, good enough for second place, while Algeria would have just two.

In this case, Slovenia would win the group with five. If England and the Americans do end up level, their goal difference would also be the same, but the USA has scored three goals to England’s one. This means England would have to score at least two more goals in their game than the USA does against Algeria. Three or more goals than the Americans would give England second spot. If Slovenia loses and the USA wins, they will be out of the tournament and if they lose and Algeria wins by two goals they’ll also be out. A draw will guarantee Slovenia at least second place.

England finds themselves in trouble after drawing the USA 1-1 in their opener and being held to a lethargic 0-0 draw against Algeria. Slovenia is top of the group after a 1-0 win over Algeria and a 2-2 draw with the USA.

The English are off to a typical slow World Cup start and have once again left their fans wondering what’s wrong with them. Well, so far there’s nothing wrong with England other than a lack of goaltending, scoring, leadership, effort, pace, skill, imagination, creativity, and good management. In fact, the England is almost in as much of a mess as France, as there have been rumours of secret meetings, unhappiness between the players as well as disagreements between players and manager Fabio Capello. And to top things off, an English supporter found his way into the team’s dressing room after their match against Algeria and berated a startled David Beckham.

It’ll be interesting to see if Capello continues to go with a 4-4-2 system or if he’ll opt to go 4-5-1, with Wayne Rooney up front on his own. Most fans are questioning Capello’s allegiance to striker Emile Heskey, who only scored five goals for Aston Villa this season and spent most of the time on the bench. If Capello does go 4-4-2, there’s a good chance Peter Crouch or Jermain Defoe will play alongside Rooney.

Central defenders Jamie Carragher and Ledley King will be missing as Carragher’s suspended for receiving two yellow cards in the first two games and King is out with a groin injury. Matthew Upson will probably take Carragher’s spot and David James should start in net. It’s also possible midfielders Joe Cole and James Milner may see some action.

Slovenia is in just their second World Cup tournament and the smallest country in the event with a population of just over two million. However, they knocked off Russia in the qualifying playoffs and game within eight minutes of beating the Americans.

Slovenia manger said defender Marko Suler’s will likely miss the game due to a rib injury and Matej Mavric will probably take his spot. In addition, striker Nejc Pecnik is out for three months after breaking his ankle in the USA game. Midfielders Robert Koren and Valter Birsa could be dangerous and England will have to keep them in check.

England – Slovenia Odds and Predictions

The two teams have met just once before with England edging the Slovenians 2-1. This game is hard to call as you never know which England team will show up. With so much on the line, they should be able to pull off a 2-1 win though. Ladbrokes offers 8.5 times the money on 2-1 to England which is one of the best odds available online.

England is also favoured to win the game at Expekt.com as the odds are listed at 27/4 for a Slovenia victory, 12/25 for an English win and 61/20 for a draw.

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