Against All Odds: England to fail Ecuador test

The pressure is on Wayne Rooney this evening

With the World Cup kick-off just over a week away, Paul Robinson is focusing on the friendly between Ecuador and England this evening as he feels that The Three Lions have to be opposed at odds-on...

Ecuador v England
Wednesday June 4, 20:00 BST
Live on ITV 1

England began their World Cup preparation by beating Peru 3-0 on Friday night at Wembley Stadium in their send-off match before the trip overseas. While the performance didn't exactly overwhelm, it is worth noting that Peru hadn't been beaten by a three goal margin since April 2012.

Nevertheless, this will be a totally different test for Roy Hodgson's men as the game is taking place in Miami's Sun Life Stadium, where the temperatures are set to be scorching. The former West Brom boss has also stated his intentions to ring the changes and give some of his fringe players a chance. While some of them are quite exciting prospects going forward, they have little international experience, and he will be playing Phil Jones and James Milner in defence, which could end up back-firing.

Ecuador have also qualified for Brazil after they finished in fourth place in the South American qualifying table. They out-scored Uruguay by five points and also finished well above the likes of Peru and Paraguay.

Reinaldo Rueda's men were beaten 3-1 by Mexico on their last outing but prior to that they were undefeated in four - drawing with Argentina, Honduras and Holland, and winning against Australia. They are certainly a threat to be taken seriously and they will have the added advantage of being used to the heat.

I have this ear-marked as a low-scoring draw - either 0-0 or 1-1 - so with England trading around the 1.991/1 mark, I have to make them my lay of the day.

Recommended Bet
Lay England v Ecuador @ 1.991/1

2014 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 151 pts
Returned: 168 pts
P/L: + 17 pts (after commission)
(2013 P/L: + 3.80 pts)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)