WALES v ENGLAND
Football : Euro 2012 : Qualifier
Saturday, March 26th, 2011 - Kickoff 4:00PM GMT

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WALES

Gary Speed is the new man in the Welsh hot seat, and will see his team host England at the Millennium Stadium. Wales have lost all three of their opening games in Group G so far and are desperate for a win. On paper, they don't really stand a decent chance of getting some here. Not unless England do, well, an England!

Sitting bottom of the group, Wales will need big performances from their star players. Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey is back in business and will play this game, as will club rival Gareth Bale, who plays for Spurs. Bale has been quality this season, and very few would disagree with Ramseys potential, one likened to Ryan Giggs by Speed, but the important thing to remember is that these are two players only just getting back from injury, so all that form goes out the window in my opinion.

Up front, Wales have had problems in getting goals, while their defensive woes have led to exactly 0 points. England are coming off their first draw in the qualifying phase, having won every other match. They will be hungry to claw back their way, seeing as they currently sit 2nd in the group, and Wales, I fear will do well to get to half-time with the scores level.

ENGLAND

There is an expiration date on being a shameless scumbag not worthy of the captains armband, as it happens, and suddenly it is ok with Fabio to give John Terry back the captaincy. For some reason, these are the headlines. Fact is, Terry never has been, nor ever will be, a suitable rolemodel for youngsters. However, as a footballer, he is right up there in terms of ability, desire and attitude. England need people with his drive if they are to finally win something.

Matt Jarvis gets his first callup having netted the winner for Wolves against Villa. Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand miss out through continued injury. I reckon the midfield will see Lampard paired up with Jack Wilshere and Rooney and Jermaine Defoe will continue their partnership up front now that the Spurs striker is back. That should prove enough to trouble Wales enough.

The Montenegro draw was the first time England failed to win a qualifying match under Capello. The team is unlikely to give Wales any time to settle into this and any early goal would put Wales in the dangerous position of having to try and attack which would leave them open to get hammered by a very quick England attack.

BETTING VERDICT

Bit early with this, but I reckon the prices are just going to keep getting shorter so might as well jump on England now while they are still worth taking.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

England to win

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take England to win @ 1.50 (Pinnacle) - MAIN BET (also for settling purposes if AH is a push)

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take England -1AH @ 1.80 (Bet365) - MAIN BET 1