Sweden v England: Three Lions set for low-scoring success

As England have gained a recent reputation for being ‘hard to beat,’ it may be wise to avoid backing Sweden to conquer the Three Lions at 11/4 on Friday.

Although England have beaten the Swedes just once in the past 45 years, that victory came the last time the sides met last year, and Roy Hodgson’s men can make it back-to-back wins at 11/10.

Meanwhile, those interested in taking on the draw at 9/4, will be encouraged by the fact that this outcome has emanated from four of the past six meetings of the nations.

Correct score markets look worth taking advantage of in this game though, and a 1-0 England triumph looks a shrewd punt at 5/1.

That was the result on the last occasion the teams faced off, and the fact that England have won five of their last eight matches by this scoreline lends further weight to the idea that it is a worthwhile bet.

The Three Lions have also failed to concede in seven of their last 12 outings, including two out of three under the stewardship of Hodgson, and are a tempting 11/8 to keep a clean sheet on Friday.

With wins stemming from each of those matches in which they didn’t concede however, 9/4 looks a good price about England beating Sweden without being breached.

They are also the same price to win a game involving two or less goals, and a bet on that outcome would have reaped returns in two of Hodgson’s three games at the helm so far.

Whilst praise has been drawn from England’s displays during Hodgson’s brief reign from a defensive standpoint meanwhile, there is a will for the side to show a more decisive edge going forward.

Danny Welbeck would hope to provide that by hitting the opener at 7/1, and give his manager something to think about amidst Wayne Rooney’s imminent return.

Welbeck can also be backed to score in an England win at 7/2, as he did in the nation’s final warm-up game for Euro 2012.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.