Euro 2016 Odds – England Faces Overmatched San Marino
On paper, England should not have any problem trouncing San Marino in the second fixture in Group E of the Euro 2016 qualifiers (Thursday, October 9 at Wembley Stadium at 13:45 ET).
Looking at the betting trends, the Three Lions have won all four meetings against San Marino, including 5-0 and 8-0 drubbings in 2012 and 2013, respectively. In the money line, England is the big favorite to win, listed -20000 in the money line. On the other side, a San Marino win will pay out at +6600, while a draw will pay out at +1800.
England beat Switzerland in its first fixture (2-0) on the strength of two goals from forward Danny Welbeck. “I think we created a number of chances where maybe we could have done better with the final pass. Once we got the first goal I think we were in control and played a good team game and you could see the work ethic, and everyone is playing for each other and that’s very important,” said Welbeck after the match.
In its last six games, England’s record is not overly impressive (2W, 2D, 2L). However, that includes a disastrous World Cup performance. Post-World Cup, England is making a generational change and, so far, the young players are providing results (two wins in two matches). In contrast, the weak San Marino side has lost its last six matches, surrendering 30 goals and only scoring one, including a 2-0 loss to Lithuania in its first qualifier.
The handicap lists England as three goal favorites; though that is a huge spread, taking England is still the best bet on the board.
Zack is a tour guide whose favorite sports are football, baseball, and golf. He enjoys giving obnoxious commentary during games and hopes to some day write a book about sports. His favorite underdog victory was the Diamondbacks beating the Yankees in game 7 of the World Series.
