Andy Carroll is The Big Variable in England vs France
- By Allan Pederson on November 16, 2010 17:09 GMT
It has been confirmed: Newcastle upstart Andy Carroll has shaken off an injury and is set to start in his England debut tomorrow against France.
The leading English goalscorer in the league has been an integral part of Newcastle resurgence now that they’ve won their way back to the English Premier League.
England are expected to take a fair amount of patriotic betting volume in this one but their price continues to hover above evens with most major bookmakers- indicating that England should be considered lukewarm favourites despite the disarray in the France squad.
Andy Carroll is considered to be the second favourite goalscorer in this one, and that’s an interesting variable, especially since Peter Crouch is priced at a slim 7/4 to grab a goal at any point in the fixture. Andy Carroll scorecasts will likely be popular selections and he’s priced at 6/1 to grab that elusive first goal, so the payouts will likely justify the risk.
Karim Benzema is supposed to be the real danger-man for France, but it’s not like he’s been in a particularly rich vein of form at Real Madrid. He’ll be looking to make a statement here and the question is whether or not he can be nullified by this up-and-coming English side. Benzema is 7/1 to open the scoring.
Samir Nasri is a tricky addition to the French side, and he’s going to be used to playing against the bulk of this English side. Look for him to receive the ball and try to dictate play just around the edge of the box. If you fancy him to make a statement, he is well-priced at 4/1 anytime.
Steven Gerrard has the potential to turn the game, and he’s likely who the players will start looking to if things begin to go a bit pair-shaped in the first half. If he comes into this one sharp and focused then there’s no reason why England shouldn’t be able to dominate the midfield and carve out chances.
England are justifiable favourites here and they boast an excellent unknown quantity in Andy Carroll. If he can take to the International game the way he’s taken to the Premier League then England should emerge as comfortable winners.
