England put their mark on the World Cup with a thumping 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening match.
Getting three points was the most important outcome for the Three Lions, but the most notable development was the manner in which England played.
Unlike at recent tournaments, England kept attacking after taking the lead, intent on putting the game out of reach rather than just getting it over the line.
Expect England to keep the pedal to the metal against Ghana on Tuesday in Boston.
There will always be forgettable matches at a World Cup, and Ghana’s 1-0 win over Panama is unlikely to make the DVD box set when it comes out.
Although they were the favorites to win the match, Ghana sat deep against Panama, playing not to lose rather than win. That is a hallmark of manager Carlos Queiroz, who took over the Black Stars less than two months ago.
If Ghana played in a defensive posture against Panama, they’re likely to be even more conservative against England.
While Queiroz has long frustrated fans and pundits with his rudimentary style, you can’t really blame him for keeping the handbrake on against England. Thomas Tuchel’s side is loaded with attacking talent, and the format of this tournament really puts an emphasis on goal difference, since eight third-place teams will advance to the knockout stage.
Most projections reckon that three points and a minus-1 goal difference will be enough to advance to the Round of 32.
Queiroz will look at getting out of this match with their goal difference in decent shape as a big victory.
That said, this doesn’t look like the same England side that will struggle to break down low blocks. There are just too many different ways they can beat you. They can beat you down the middle with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, but they’ve also got the potential to outflank you with Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Marcus Rashford.
At some point, they’ll pull Ghana out of their shape.
Ghana didn’t pose much of a threat going forward against Panama, so I doubt England will be too concerned about throwing numbers forward in this tilt.
Back England to get on the board early and often in this one.
The Play: England Team Total Over 2.5 goals (+101, FanDuel)
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
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