Optimism continues to grow for England after their successful opener. The Three Lions defeated Tunisia 2-1. Harry Kane demonstrated why he is among the greatest of all strikers. Kane scored both England goals for the win. The deciding clutch goal was at the 90 minute mark. It was a heart stopping bet the World Cup win. And validated the optimism about this team. Kane represents the new generation that has taken over the roster. For Panama their opener went as expected. They were destroyed by Belgium. And England should be every bit as difficult.
2018 FIFA World Cup England vs. Panama
Date and Time: Sunday, June 24, 2018, 8 a.m. ET
Location: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny, Novgorod
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panama | +2 (-124) | 2½ (-121) |  |
| England | -2 (+109) | 2½ (+106) | |
| |||
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: FS1
Panama in Russia
If any team is just happy to be here its Panama. This is their first ever World Cup Final appearance. Coach Hector Gomez deserves a considerable amount of credit. It was a landmark achievement to qualify. Gomez has played down expectations. He has stated that this will be a learning experience. The coach stated his team will take a moment to smell the roses. He wants the players to enjoy the trip. And perhaps they will. Except when they are in on the pitch. Experience wise they are severely lacking.
Low Expectations
Panama is a massive bet the World Cup dog in every match. They lack the depth and ability to make for a credible contender. Panama uses defense and a sense of team to succeed. And to cover for their utter lack of talent. Gomez praised their team discipline. He insists on defensive concentration. But against Belgium none of it mattered. The Red Devils simply had far too much weaponry. Offensively the Panamanians forced only two Belgium saves.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane is going to emerge as a World Star. His dramatic stoppage time game winner will go down in English fame and lore. Head coach Gareth Southgate had his team primed. They had a host of close chances against Tunisia. To the Three Lions credit they came out fast and hard. Kane got the first goal 11 minutes into competition. He nailed a rebound off a saved shot. England carried the play nearly all game. But was inconsistent about creating chances. Tunisia frustrated them by sitting back on defense. But Kane save the day with a close range header.
England
England’s strength is that they are remade. Fading players like Wayne Rooney were ushered out. The Three Lions have vastly improved their team speed. They reflect their head coach. Dynamic, young and daring is their personality. Southgate has shown great vision with this rebuild. Not to mention impressive tactical ability. And Kane has thrived under the new coach. He is now in the conversation as world’s greatest striker. His intelligence and presence earned respect of teammates. So much so that he is team captain. He is the ultimate sportsbook online asset.
Matchup to Watch
England has the overwhelming matchup advantage here. They lack the same pressure as past teams. Bet the World Cup expectations were too high in previous World Cups. England has the luxury of not being expected to win it all. Which could help them do just that.
Bet the World Cup:World Cup Betting Odds Picks
England should not be threatened in this one.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: England
World Cup Betting Online Pick: England 2, Panama 0