England have finally clicked into gear but the plaudits for their performance have been wildly over-the-top for putting just one goal past lowly Slovenia.
It’s the same old story of pariahs one-minute then world beaters the next. The truth lies somewhere in between.
Wayne Rooney still looks badly out of touch and England’s midfield will struggle against quality opposition.
Terry and Upson put everything in against Slovenia but they look worryingly short of pace and Glen Johnson will be a target for every left winger from here on in.
That means Germany have to be the call on Sunday at 7/4 with Ladbrokes. At least some extra cash should ease the disappointment and it’s certainly a bet most people won’t mind losing.
In the other matches Uruguay look a decent bet to beat South Korea at 10/11 while Ghana should have too much for the USA at 9/5 both with Paddy Power.
Argentina v Mexico could be the pick of the last 16 ties and I’m predicting a goal fest with two attacking sides who both have defensive doubts.
Paddy Power go 5/2 that the game will feature more than 3.5 goals and that looks a fair price.
Spain looked back to somewhere near their best against Honduras and they will be tough nuts to crack in the knockout stage as long as they negotiate a tricky tie with Chile tonight.
Spain’s current price of 11/2 could be a bit shorter come the morning so now is the time to get on and hope that Torres rediscovers his shooting boots in time to fire the Spanish to glory on July 11.
