England vs. Panama Prediction
A goal in extra time by striker Harry Kane netted England a victory in its group stage opener, while Panama struggled in the second half in a lopsided loss. Can England fend off a desperate underdog today to post another win?
Game Snapshot
97887 Panama vs. 97888 England
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Nizhny Novgorod Stadium at 8AM ET
TV: Fox Sports 1
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, England is listed as -417 favorite to win on the moneyline. Panama is a +1250 underdog, while a draw bet is set at +500. The total sits at 2.5 goals.
Kane showcases superstar talent
Tottenham Hotspur mainstay and England striker Harry Kane showed off his elite goal-scoring abillity as he played the role of hero in the 2-1 victory over Tunisia. Kane headed home a cross in extra time to provide the thrilling go-ahead goal, which netted England an important win in a Group G that also includes a strong Belgium squad. England dominated much of the action, holding 60 percent of the possession and firing 17 shots (seven on goal). Tunisia had six shots, one on goal. Kane gave England a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute, but Tunisia evened it at 1-1 in the 35th minute on a penalty kick.
Panama no match for Belgium
For one half, Panama was up to the challenge defensively as it kept Belgium off the scoreboard. But a 47th minute goal put the Belgians ahead, while two more scores by Romelu Lukaku the rest of the way made it a 3-0 final. Panama only had 40 percent of the possession, while it was outshot 15-6 and only put two shots on net. Additionally, Panama was assessed 18 fouls and handed five yellow cards which means a number of players must be careful in today’s match.
Prediction:
England was lucky to see off a Tunisia squad that was blown out yesterday by Belgium. For whatever reason, England is never quite as good on the world stage as the sum of its parts. While I think England should get the win here, I could see it being another tight one. Take Panama on the +1.5 goal line.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: PANAMA GL +1.5 (-115)