England 47/1 to fail to score in their group matches

With just 47 days until the World Cup, Coral are joining in the excitement bringing you a plethora of circadian special bets.

Historically, England have struggled to find the net in tournaments against certain teams, often staying tight at the back. Although Sweden forced their hand at Euro 2012, putting emphasis on the Three Lions to score on three occasions, more often than not they have scraped 1-0 wins, against much lesser opposition. Wayne Rooney has also struggled at international tournaments, and he needs to perform this summer.

In Brazil, they face Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica. The Azzurri held England to a goalless draw in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals before beating them on penalties, and Uruguay have enough fire power to force England into a defensive shape.

Although Costa Rica, on paper look the weakest link, they will want to restore pride in the final group match, especially if they lose their first two. As well as this, they will be suitably acclimatised to the temperatures, so a high energy approach could frustrate England, inspired by Everton’s Bryan Oviedo.

Having struggled against similar opposition Paraguay in 2006, England needed an own goal from a David Beckham free-kick to win their opening group game.

Despite England having a talented attacking pool, Roy Hodgson is more on the pragmatic side and will be wary of threats the opposition pose in the group games. If too cautious, England could pay the price.  To not score a goal in the group, they are 47/1.  Stranger things have happened.  Greece Euro 2004 anyone?