Wednesday’s International Football

England v Switzerland – Live on BBC1, k/o 8:00pm

Wednesday sees the first match under new England boss Fabio Capello, who’s first match is against Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland at Wembley. After the dismal reign of Steve McClaren, the appointment of astute tactician Capello was a welcomed one, and you can be sure that he will be determined to win his first game in charge. With Capello’s surprised selection policy, which has seen Aston Villa youngster Agbonlahor called up, and proven veteran Beckham dropped, just one game shy of his centenary cap, all eyes will be on Capello’s new look England. Capello’s opening night will feature opposition so short of players that they have been able to pick only two strikers, one of whom is an uncapped teenager normally used as a substitute by his club. The record of England and Switzerland matches shows they have played nineteen international games with England winning twelve and drawing four, with their last encounter finishing 3-0 to England. With all the England players desperate to impress, bookies have priced them as favourites for this match, with Better offering 1/2 on a win for the Three Lions. Switzerland have been priced at 5/1 (VC Bet) to get an unlikely, but morale boosting win in preparation for Euro 2008.

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Wales v Norway – Live on Sky Sports 2, k/o 7:30pm

Wales’ performance during the Euro 2008 campaign was woeful to put it mildly, putting in some truly terrible performances such as the 3-1 defeat away to Cyprus. The job for Toshack now is to raise the spirit and belief of the Welsh team in time for the World Cup 2010 Qualifiers. However, better performances towards the end of the competition by a team containing, of necessity because of injuries and suspensions of senior players, no fewer than five players who were eligible for selection for the Under-21 squad has been viewed as a hopeful sign of future progress for the team. Norway will very much be up for this game, as many of the players, such as Riise and Gamst Pedersen ply their trade in the Premiership. Norway will be looking to build confidence for the World Cup qualifiers in August. Considering Wales’ poor form, bookies have priced Norway as favourites, with Centrebet offering odds of 7/5 on an away win, while Wales have been priced at 7/4 (Better) to win the game and restore some Welsh pride.


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Wales to Win 13/8 VCBet
Draw 85/40 Centrebet
Norway to Win 11/8 Better
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N. Ireland v Bulgaria – Live on BBC Interactive, k/o 7:45pm

N. Ireland were one of the only Home Nation team to come away with any pride from the Euro 2008 Qualification campaign. Having notched up impressive victories against Sweden and Spain, N. Ireland have restored not only the country’s faith in the team, but also the self belief of its players. Bulgaria have struggled to reach the heights of the 1990s, where the likes of Stoichkov and Balakov helped them reach the latter stages of both World Cup 94 and Euro 96. In modern times, the emergence of Dimitar Berbatov will pose a threat and he will be looking to terrorise the Irish defence. The bookies believe this will be a close affair, however Bulgaria have been priced as favourites at 11/8 (Centrebet), meanwhile N. Ireland have been priced at 8/5 by VC Bet to take another famous scalp at Windsor Park.

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Ireland v Brazil – Live on Sky Sports 1, k/o 7:45pm

One of the highlight of the week’s international friendlies sees Ireland take on five times world champions Brazil at Croke Park. Ireland’s lacklustre Euro 2008 qualification performances have seen them slip down the world rankings since their impressive performance in the 2002 World Cup, having not qualified for a major tournament since. With key members such as Stephen Carr and Richard Dunne retired and with no new replacement for the sacked Steve Staunton, the team is in transition. Brazil are also in a state of transition, with many new faces in the squad such as Anderson, Elano and new Tottenham signing Gilberto, this game will provide more experience for their young side. Bearing this in mind, bookmakers have placed Brazil as favourites, pricing them at 3/4 (VC Bet) to get the away win, while Better have priced Ireland at 10/3 to beat the Samba Boys.

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