World Cup Opta Stats: No clean sheet in England clash

Daniel Sturridge has fired in three of his last four England games

Michael Lintorn has dined at Opta's buffet of Uruguay v England stats and picked out these four bets...

Uruguay v England
Thursday, 20:00
Live on ITV

Match Odds: Uruguay 3.8514/5, England 2.111/10, The Draw 3.711/4

England have scored in each of their last eight World Cup encounters with South American sides

Uruguay haven't been shut out in any of their last seven World Cup games, so it would be fanciful to expect them to stop on England's behalf, especially with Luis Suarez back. However, the stats imply that the Three Lions, who have netted in ten of their last 12 World Cup encounters, are capable of fighting fire with fire. Both teams struck in each of Uruguay's two prior World Cup ties in Sao Paulo.

Best Bet: Back both teams to score @ 1.768/11

Daniel Sturridge has scored three goals in his last four appearances for England

While pre-match chatter is dominated by what happens to Wayne Rooney (does he stay out wide, move into the number ten position or sit on the bench?) one past suggestion getting little airtime at present is for Sturridge to be relocated to the wing. That is because he has earned almost everyone's backing as the starting striker by following his 24-goal club season with efforts against Peru and Italy.

Recommended Bet: Back Sturridge to score @ 3.052/1

The Three Lions haven't scored more than one goal in any of their last seven games at the World Cup

Not since a 2-2 draw with Sweden to close World Cup 2006 Group B have England smashed through their glass ceiling of one goal per match at the competition. Roy Hodgson's side haven't suffered two first-round losses at one World Cup since 1950 though, only enduring one at the last five combined, and we've already made the case for Uruguay scoring, so that leaves 1-1 as the most likely scoreline.

Recommended Bet: Back the 1-1 draw @ 8.415/2

In the Euro World Cup qualifiers, England averaged more corners per game than any other side (9.8)

A 90-minute victory for England is far from a certainty despite their status as 2.111/10 favourites, but the statistics reveal that they should be able to beat Uruguay on corners even if they don't manage to do so on the slightly more important metric of goals. Opta note that England have carried their corner prowess into the tournament, enjoying an emphatic 9-2 triumph in their Group D opener with Italy.

Recommended Bet: Back England in the Corners Match Bet @ 1.68/13