Ukraine vs. England Picks: England to win 2-0 at +500
England go into their Quarter-Final clash with Ukraine as heavy favorites and Neil Monnery can see why...
Location: Rome, Italy
Date: Saturday, July 3
Kick Off Time: 3PM ET
TV: ABC
For the first time so far in Euro 2020, the England players will be packing suitcases and flying away from their home as they travel to Italy to take on Ukraine in a game between two countries whose fans will not be allowed to attend. The whole tournament setup was nuts even without Covid-19 but having a big game where the borders are closed between the host nation and the two countries taking part is just crazy.
Both teams played on Tuesday with Ukraine taking it all the way until the final minute of Extra Time to take care of Sweden. That was not a game for the casual fan but they were very workmanlike and were helped by a controversial red card against the Swedes.
Star man Andriy Yarmolenko is rated as doubtful with forward Artem Besedin already ruled out following a knee injury suffered in that Sweden game. Oleksandr Zinchenko has looked very good going forward and he’ll be key if they are to pull off the upset.
Ukraine - like Denmark who are playing earlier in the day - squeaked through despite losing twice in the group stages. They are seen by most pundits as the weakest team left in the tournament so they will need a massive performance to win this game.
Over on the English sidelines you’ll find an awful lot of positivity. Victory over Germany in their Round of 16 match and fueled talk that Football is Coming Home and fans and players alike seem to have real belief.
Importantly captain and star striker Harry Kane finally broke his duck sealing the win over Germany with a close range header. His form has been one of the biggest question marks hanging over the team throughout this tournament and whilst he didn’t play particularly well, any goal for a front man can be the catalyst for a turnaround in fortunes. At only +100 to score at any time though he’s a swerve in that market.
Wide man Raheem Sterling continued his hot streak scoring for the third time in four games. With many believing he shouldn’t be in the starting XI due to a run of poor form at club level, it surprised and dismayed in equal measure when Gareth Southgate named him as a starter against Croatia in their opener. No-one is saying those things now. He’s +210 to score at any time and despite his recent form - I’m passing.
In that market I’m having a small play on John Stones at +900. England’s set piece ability was superb in World Cup 2018 and if Kieran Trippier starts then the quality from corners and free kicks should be good.
I clearly think England will win but I’m stunned that three or more goals is the favorite in the away team goals market at +190. England aren’t an overly attacking team and they’ve only scored four in four games so far at Euro 2020.
England have yet to concede at this tournament so a 1-0 (+480) or 2-0 (+500) win would seem like value plays. I’ll lean towards the latter.
Picks: England to win 2-0 on the Correct Score market and John Stones to score any time at +900.
