England vs Ecuador Betting Preview

England can count themselves fortunate to be only going up against Ecuador in the second phase of the World Cup. A less than inspiring three matches did see the three lions top group B, although that was always a likely scenario given the strength of the opposition.Without playing well and a very oddly shaped squad, England are destined to reach the last eight assuming Ecuador don't spring a shock. The South Americans have been called the surprise package of the tournament, yet all they have done is beaten a poor Poland and Costa Rica team before losing 3-0 to an understrength German team. The match betting has England as clear odds on favourites, and while victory should be a formality a best price of 1/2 is way too short to bother with. What is a slight concern is the high temperatures forecasted for the weekend. A sizzling hot Sunday afternoon would probably reduce the English effectiveness in the second half.As such a similar pattern to the first match against Paraguay wouldn't be a total shock with England taking an early lead and then holding for the remainder of the match. However, the odds on the half time/full England time win are only evens, the same price available at Paddy Power simply for the Three lions leading at the interval. It seems foolish to risk England losing the second half when for the same odds we only require a victory in the first forty five minutes. Admittedly the Irish bookmaker are the exception with most firms going considerably shorted. The advice is to snap up the even money before it disappears. A further market of interest is the first goalscorer. With Owen now back at home, team selection should become less of a headache for Sven. Hargreaves will patroll in front of the back four with Rooney likely to operate as a lone striker in front of the ususal midfield. It would be risky to play both strikers with Premiership experience from the start leaving only the provisional driving licence holder in reserve. Assuming the Bayern midfielder hardly ventures forward, and Rooney spends most of the time with his back to goal - it is down to Cole, Gerard, Lampard and Beckham to produce the goods. So far Cole and Gerard have found the back of the net with the skipper providing the occasional devastating cross. The one midfielder yet to score is Frank Lampard. It hasn't been though from a lack of effort with the Chelsea player having more shots (18) than anyone else in the tournament. At some point one has to find a way past the keeper.At the time of writing 15/2 with betfred is the best price available for Frank Lampard to register the first goal of the match.