Among the top surprises with the World Cup betting odds is Sweden. It’s just that nobody has really noticed. Instead it has been England celebrated as the ultimate surprise team. Now the anonymous Swedes face the celebrated Three Lions. Both teams have superb management. Each is fundamentally sound. But only one has Harry Kane. England will have the best player on the pitch in Kane. The Tottenham Hotspur star has emerged as the ultimate striker. Perhaps the best in the world. And nobody has had a more significant impact in the tournament. However structured Sweden has superior defensive ability.
2018 FIFA World Cup Sweden vs. England
Date and Time: Saturday, 7th July 2018 at 10am ET
Location: Samara Arena, Samara
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | -½ (-110) | 2 (-105) |  |
| Sweden | +½ (-105) | 2 (-110) | |
| |||
Sweden vs. England TV Coverage: FOX
Sweden so Far
Sweden entered the World Cup without their longtime super star. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the marquee man. As team talisman he commanded tactics that revolved around him. Without Ibrahimovic Sweden was written off for dead. They were nowhere near a World Cup betting odds favorite. Lost in all of that was their impressive qualifying results. Manager Janne Andersson did not morn the loss of the star of the team. Instead he built a unit that functions like a machine. Ironically the Blue Yellow is better off now. The dressing room is more united. Players are happier.
England so Far
England also went through a vast remake. Star striker Wayne Rooney is no longer on the roster. The veterans that were consistent sports betting overlays have been replaced. In their place is a squad of speedy young players. Talented and dynamic. Fearless and eager. And without the scars of England’s past failures. Harry Kane is emblematic of the new look Three Lions. He is only 24 years of age. Yet plays with more maturity than Rooney ever did. Kane is a natural leader. And was appointed captain as a result. Kane has a tournament best five goals so far.
Gareth Southgate
Also factoring into England’s success is manager Gareth Southgate. At 47 years of age he as emerged as a new breed of leader. He took over just two years ago. At the time England was caught in a fork in the road. They could make one last shot with veterans. And likely face the same disappointing results. Instead Southgate had the nerve to remake the team. And he has been vindicated.
Close Calls
There have been close calls along the way for England. Kane had to score at match end for a 2-1 opening win over Tunisia. In the round of 16 England played Colombia to a 1-1 draw. Kane’s penalty was the difference maker. Sweden got past pesky Switzerland 1-0 to get here. Their superb team structure was the difference. They have only scored six goals in four games. But have permitted only two goals against.
Matchup to Watch
England is refreshing and fun to watch. However, structure is of paramount importance at this juncture. Sweden has provided top value with the World Cup Betting Odds. If anyone can shut down Kane it’s the Blue Yellow. Sweden’s defense and organization are the matchup difference.
World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Sweden should upset England and continue their surprise run.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Sweden
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: Sweden 1, England 0
Catch highlights of Sweden’s win over Switzerland!