The Group B showdown between England and the United States will likely be one of the most heavily bet games in the entire tournament.
Gareth Southgate and the Three Lions are a powerhouse roster that entered the World Cup as the third favorite to win and are fresh off an impressive 6-2 victory over Iran in their opening match.
The USMNT will look to steal a point, or three, in this massive showdown in which they will be a considerable underdog.
This is not the same United States side that failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia in 2018, but after a 1-1 draw with Wales this has become a very important match for the Red, White, and
Blue.
Who will emerge victorious in this clash between England and the USMNT? Let’s look at current betting lines to identify best bets and make a match prediction.
England vs USA Odds
- 3-way handicap: England (-175) | Draw (+310) | USA (+450)
- Draw No Bet: England (-650) | USA (+310)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (-125) | Under 2.5 (-115)
- Both Teams To Score: Yes (-110) | No (-125)
England vs Team USA odds are current as of Nov. 23 on BetMGM Sportsbook unless otherwise specified.
Sitting as one of the favorites in World Cup winner odds, England is a consistent favorite across the board over the United States, but due to the expectation for a low-scoring game, there is value on a three-way handicap wager on the Three Lions.
England vs USA Prediction
England 2:1 USA
England boasts one of the most formidable defensive units in the World Cup. The Three Lions cruised through most of their qualifying matches to reach the tournament but have recently struggled with efficiency on offense.
However, most of their players will be in peak form considering the World Cup is taking place during the middle of league competitions. Therefore, you can expect top-quality performances from stars such as Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, and many more. England is truly an All-Star team.
It should be noted that Kane reportedly is having issues with his knee, although he’s likely ready to go.
That said, the United States is not the same side that failed to qualify for the Russian games in 2018. The USMNT overhaul is complete with a squad full of world-class players such as Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Sergiño Dest, and team captain Tyler Adams.
The United States famously earned a draw with England back in 2010 with an inferior roster to their current team, so these could get interesting. But with high expectations at his feet, Southgate will have the Three Lions prepared for a close battle after losing the Euro 2021 final on penalties to Italy.
Kane and the Three Lions are expected to win this match without much issue. However, it will not be due to their dominance in the attacking third but rather the stubbornness of their defense.
The best hope for the USMNT is for their own defense to step up and hold England while waiting for lightning to strike on the counter-attack with Pulisic and Aaronson.
I expect England to control possession and reach the back of the net in the second half regardless of its trouble scoring during the summer. Meanwhile, the United States has often struggled against higher-end competition, and a clean sheet for the Three Lions is not out of the question.
England vs USA Betting Tips
- England and the United States have met 12 times, with England winning the latest friendly encounter 3-0 at Wembley in 2018.
- Since 1995, England is 8-1-2 vs the United States.
- England has never defeated the United States in a World Cup. (2010 Draw) (1950 1-0 Loss)
- The USMNT tend to feel out their opponents early but come on strong after the first 30 minutes, scoring almost 90% of their recent goals in the final 60 minutes.
- Team USA spreads the ball around, having six different goal scorers in its previous five matches. However, Jesús Ferreira has netted four in its last nine.
- During World Cup qualifying, England earned a +36 goal differential.
England vs USA Best Bets
Same Game Parlay: England Wins & Under 2.5 Goals (+240) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
I have to be honest. England to win at -140 seems like a steal. The Three Lions have one of the most formidable defensive units in the World Cup and should be heavily favored in this match.
Therefore, if you want to limit downside, World Cup betting fans should feel no shame in simply rolling with a traditional bet for England to win outright.
However, I would recommend a Same Game Parlay and add the second leg of Under 2.5 Goals. This match will likely be a defensive battle, and it would not be a surprise to watch England walk away with a clean sheet.
👀 I also found this parlay at (+255) on FanDuel if you can’t use the BetMGM World Cup promotion.
