Euro 2016 betting: Michael Owen's predictions for England vs Slovakia and Wales vs Russia
The former England striker expects a win but wants to Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge rewarded for their goals against Wales
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Your support makes all the difference.England meet Slovakia in Saint-Etienne on Monday looking to make sure of top spot in Group B.
On the only previous occasion England played in the Geoffrey-Guichard Stadium a young 18-year-old striker scored one of the most memorable goals in World Cup history back in 1998, although it wasn’t quite enough to give 10-man England victory against Argentina as we lost on penalties following a controversial 2-2 draw.
Eighteen years and on the scorer of that famous England goal, BetVictor brand ambassador Michael Owen, has shared his thoughts on the victory over Wales and is advocating changes to the Three Lions side for Monday's meeting with Slovakia.
England vs Slovakia
The stadium in Saint-Etienne is obviously one I have mixed memories of; it was great to score what has become an iconic World Cup goal against a very good Argentina side but it was, ultimately, very disappointing to go out on spot kicks although I do remember tucking away my own penalty.
Still, eighteen years on, I fully expect this England side to exorcise those demons and beat a Slovakia side who still have plenty to play for themselves after their win against Russia earlier in the week.
I hope to see Roy Hodgson make changes and not just in attack, where I expect to see Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge get a start, but we have such a strong squad that I would like Nathanial Clyne and Ryan Bertrand also get their chance and give Kyle Walker and Danny Rose a blow at full-back.
I will be very surprised if we don’t get something out of the game and hope to see another win although I hope we don’t leave it as late as we did against Chris Coleman’s boys!
Michael’s recommendations, prices from BetVictor
England to win to nil at 7/4
England to lead halftime/fulltime at 9/5
Russia vs Wales
Two games and two Gareth Bale free kicks for Wales and I see BetVictor are offering 7/1 that the Real Madrid star scores from another free kick against a, hitherto, disappointing Russian side who have only won one of their last seven internationals.
If, as I expect, England win in Saint-Etienne a draw would be enough for Wales in Toulouse to finish runners up in the Group and that is what I think they will get.
Michael’s recommendations, prices from BetVictor
Game to finish 1-1 at 6/1
Under 2.5 goals at 4/7
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