England and Sweden go head to head on Friday evening as these two knockout stage hopefuls search for their first win of Euro 2012, as Paddy Power make England an attractive bet at 11/10 and offer free bets after the Swedes capitulated against Ukraine in their opening game.
Roy Hodgson’s England drew their opening game with France, while Sweden threw away a 1-0 lead to lose to co-hosts Ukraine.
Therefore, only three points will do for both teams.
[oddsgrid event=’1139484′]
Looking at England to begin with, their opening performance against a good France side was solid enough. Having taken the lead through Joleon Lescott, they would like to have held on, but the main thing was to avoid defeat.
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There were positive signs for the Three Lions too. The defence appeared secure – France were constantly restricted to long range efforts – and Danny Welbeck led the line superbly well in the absence of Wayne Rooney.
Ashley Young wasn’t in the game as much as England would like though and this is one of a few improvements they would like to make for the second game. They know that if they play to their potential, they should be getting three points in this one.
As for Sweden, well they had a thoroughly miserable evening on Monday. After a dire first half, things appeared to be going their way when Zlatan Ibrahimovic put them ahead, but less than ten minutes later, they were 2-1 down.
Shocked from Ukraine’s comeback, they never recovered. There is now expected to be a few changes for the England game as Coach Erik Hamren was clearly unhappy with his players afterwards.
Sweden’s main threat will continue to be Ibrahimovic though. The AC Milan striker is generally considered as one of the best in the world and if England can stop him, they may well stop Sweden.
As ever when these two meet, it is likely to be a closely fought encounter. Sweden have come out on top in recent years with four wins to England’s one since 1968, something the Three Lions will be hoping to put right from 7.45pm on Friday evening.