World Cup action heats up as England take on Costa Rica on June 24.
England coach Roy Hodgson could be forgiven for being delighted that the Three Lions' final group opponent is Costa Rica. If England need a last-gasp result, what better opponent than the Group D underdog? However, Hodgson will under-estimate Costa Rica at his peril.
England Favored
On paper, England's superstars should find it plain sailing against the Tico minnows. The likes of Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge will have high hopes of finding the net. The bookies' odds will certainly make England firm favourites. However, Costa Rica could well provide stiff opposition.
Don't Discount Costa Rica
Jorge Luis Pinto's side qualified for Brazil with ease and this is arguably the most talented Costa Rica side ever assembled. The loss of Everton's Bryan Oviedo through injury is a blow, but there is plenty more quality to choose from. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas stars in Spain's top division, while up front the man to watch is youngster Joel Campbell.
Officially an Arsenal player, Campbell has never played for the Gunners. Instead, the pacey striker has starred for Olympiakos in the Champions League this season. William Hill Sports offers a whole range of markets on this and every World Cup game and it is worth checking out odds on Campbell as first goal scorer.
However, if England play to their potential, they should have enough to successfully negotiate this potential banana skin. With skipper Steven Gerrard patrolling midfield and quick wingers Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to terrorise Costa Rica's full-backs, there should be plenty of chances for Rooney and Sturridge to find the net.
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