After a quarterfinal finish in 2014 Belgium gained newfound respect. With a loaded roster they have emerged as a top betting the World Cup favorite. And when it comes to Group G only England rates as a realistic alternative. The Three Lions have remade their team. Armed with fresh blood they are a great unknown. But the feeling is that England will be much improved. And they stand a near certain shot to make the Final 16. Tunisia and Panama are the long shots of the group. Neither has any realistic shot in the foursome.
2018 FIFA World Cup Group G
Date and Time: June 14 through July 15, 2018
Location: Russia
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG: Belgium -120, Panama +4000, Tunisia +1600, England +125
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: Check Listings
Belgium
Although Belgium gets a lot of love there are doubters as well. Qualification was a major success. The Red Devils went undefeated in ten games. Offense was overwhelming with a total of 43 goals. But a 3-3 draw vs. Mexico in a friendly disturbed all. And Kevin De Bruyne did not hold back. He had a scathing assessment of head coach Roberto Martinez. De Bruyne said that Mexico was tactically superior. Particularly on defense. And defensive organization remains the Betting the World Cup concern at Russia. Belgium can certainly score. But can they consistently shut down the opposition?
England
Normally England is one of the great sportsbook overlays at a World Cup. Few teams have more fanatical fans. Not to mention totally unrealistic expectations. With the departure of Wayne Rooney came the symbolic winds of change. Perhaps no other marquee team has remade itself more. During this roster remake comes an interesting surprise. England has not lost a qualifying match in major competition in nearly nine years. That covers 39 games and three coaches. New coach Gareth Southgate was promoted from England’s under 21 team. He represents the youth movement himself.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane represents the hopes and potential of England. The Tottenham Hotspur striker bailed out the Three Lions time and again with clutch goals. His play was so instrumental that he was named team captain. Kane has 13 goals in just 24 caps. At age 24 he will be a force for years to come.
Panama
For Panama the World Cup is a celebration. This is their first time at making the big party. They got their ticket punched to Russia because of hard work. The Canaleros have a team that has played together for a long time. Though not exceptionally talented their work ethic is clearly superior. Head coach Hernan Dario Gomez has led two other nations to the World Cup. Columbia and Ecuador both qualified under his leadership. Roman Torres is the plucky veteran star of the team.
Tunisia
Tunisia returns to the World Cup after a 12 year absence. Head coach Nabil Maaloul rescued the effort after taking over during a bad slump. They finished well with six qualifying wins in eight games. However they are clearly outmatched in this tournament.
Matchup to Watch
All will rise on June 28 when England meets Belgium. The Three Lions may end up as the Betting the World Cup surprise. Unlike past years not much is expected in 2018. And that could be what makes them a valuable team on the board.
2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Odds Picks
England is a good value pick to win Group G
World Cup Betting Online Pick: England
Check out the reasons for optimism with England!