Free betting tips: International friendly - England v USA as Wayne Rooney returns
It's all about Wayne Rooney in his final game for England, and there is value to back him to strike against the United States.
Recommended bets
3pts Wayne Rooney to score anytime at 15/8
1pt Wayne Rooney to score the last goal at 8/1
1pt Jadon Sancho to score the first goal at 7/1
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England v USA (Wembley, 2000 GMT, Sky One/Sky Sports Main Event)
It may be an international friendly, but it's pretty much a testimonial for Wayne Rooney as he plays his final game for England.
The Three Lions' all-time top goalscorer will feature as a second-half substitute, wearing the number ten shirt and the captain's armband, and you can guarantee that his team-mates will be doing everything they can to get him onto the scoresheet.
His inclusion has proven to be popular with those in the England camp. Brighton defender Lewis Dunk, who is set to start at Wembley, told Sky Sports "It's been amazing (training with Rooney). Obviously growing up as a kid you've been watching him score goals for England in many major tournaments.
"To bring him back for his last cap, I think it's a fitting tribute for England to do that for him. To get his 120th (cap) it is a great gesture from them.
"Hopefully Thursday night will be a great night for him because he's been a great servant for England and football."
Sky Bet seemingly provide the best value when it comes to Rooney hitting the net, with the 15/8 available on him to score anytime looking overpriced for the role he will play.
He should line-up in a more advanced position as he aims to sign off his international career in the best way possible. Against a weak USA side, he'll fancy his chances having enjoyed a storming season in the MLS.
That form also highlights why backing Rooney to score is a wise investment without the sentimental factor. The 33-year-old scored 12 goals in 20 appearances, alongside contributing a further six assists.
In three of the last four games he has scored in, Rooney has scored the last goal of the game which has proven to be crucial. The odds of 8/1 on offer for him to score last against the USA look great value. We know that he will be playing in the latter stages of this game.
This evening is also set to be a special one for Jadon Sancho, with the Borussia Dortmund superstar reportedly in Gareth Southgate's starting line-up.
Despite being just 18, Sancho has featured in 17 Bundesliga and Champions League games this season. He's also demonstrated his eye for goal, scoring five and assisting another eight.
His impact from the bench led to a spot in the starting XI at the beginning of October. Sancho has scored in two of the five starts he has made, with both of those games seeing him strike first.
At 7/1, the value is there on backing him to net the first goal here. The United States have conceded in their last five away games, and Sancho will be a difficult player to keep out as he looks to impress on the international stage.
Score prediction: England 3-0 USA (Sky Bet odds: 7/1)
Best bets:
Opta facts
- England and the USA have faced 10 times previously – England have won seven, drawn one and lost two, drawing the most recent game 1-1 in the 2010 World Cup group stage.
- This will be only the USA’s third match at Wembley against England – they’ve lost their previous two matches there – both friendlies – in September 1994 and May 2008.
- England haven’t lost a home international friendly match since March 2016, when they were beaten 1-2 by the Netherlands; they are unbeaten in 10 since (W6 D4 L0).
- This game will be Wayne Rooney’s 120th England appearance and his 37th at Wembley – he has scored 19 goals at the stadium, and could become the third player to score 20 for the national team, after Gary Lineker (22) and Bobby Charlton (23).
- Wayne Rooney has never scored in two previous England appearances against the USA; he has only played more games against three other countries without scoring - Italy (3), Portugal (4) and Wales (5).
- Marcus Rashford has scored three goals in his last four England appearances – as many as in his first 25 games combined.
- USA have lost only one of their last nine matches against European opposition (W3 D5), a 1-2 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in June.
- USA's last five goals have all been scored by different players (Julian Green, Tyler Adams, Kellyn Acosta, Bobby Wood and Josh Sargent).
Odds correct at 1130 GMT (15/11/18)