England entered its Euro 2016 opener against Russia with an 0-4-4 record in European Championship opening games, and once again failed to earn a win after playing to a 1-1 draw. The team will go for a better result in its second game against Wales this Thursday.
England vs. Wales odds, Euro 2016: Favored England seeking its first win of tournament
England will be seeking a bounceback effort as a betting favorite against Wales in a key Group B matchup at Euro 2016 on Thursday.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
England is a -130 betting favorite over Wales on Thursday at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. Wales would pay +350 on an outright upset and +240 if it is able to force a draw.
Sitting at No. 11 in the FIFA World Rankings and loaded with young talent, England was expected to end its European Championship opening game drought last Saturday against Russia. Eric Dier gave England a 1-0 lead in the second half, but in injury time the English team surrendered the equalizer to walk off the pitch with a disappointing 1-1 draw.
With so much offensive talent at the team’s disposal, England’s supporters continue to be frustrated by the team’s lack of offensive production in international play.
Historically, England has dominated this head-to-head matchup. England has 68 wins, 14 losses and 21 draws in 103 games against Wales, with Wales’ last win over England coming back in 1984.
Wales entered its Group B opener against Slovakia in the midst of a four-game winless streak, losing friendlies against Sweden, Ukraine and Netherlands and drawing Northern Ireland. But in group play, Gareth Bale’s early goal in the 10th minute set the tone in a 2-1 win over Slovakia that catapulted the team into the early lead in Group B.
England entered the Euro 2016 tournament as a clear favorite to win the group, but Wales could put some pressure on them with a draw or upset. Wales is 0-4 in its last four games against England.
Thursday’s total is set at 2.5 goals. Each of the last five games between England and Wales have gone UNDER that total.
England comes into this game with the superior talent, but it also comes into it with all of the pressure. For Wales, this game serves as a chance to upset a rival that has been criticized for its mental weakness in major tournaments over the years. The English side still has time to emerge as the winner of this group, but it must start with a win on Thursday.
