Euro 2012 Day 12 tips: Rooney could be rampant

Ed Hawkins
19 June 2012

Hodgson will let Rooney off the leash

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Ed Hawkins, the SJA Betting Writer of the Year, casts his eyes over the markets for the denouement of Group D

England v Ukraine
"Rooney has kicked and headed every ball"

W Rooney to score at 2.707/4

England v Ukraine

First goalscorer

Walking through the park the other day, I chanced upon an owner with his dog. The beast was straining at the leash, panting, whimpering and almost choking itself. Naturally I thought of Wayne Rooney.

Rooney returns for England tonight. He has kicked and headed every ball and his frustration has been so evident that there is a theory going round that his shorn locks are not the result of a drastic cut, but himself pulling his hair out.

Rooney is 6.4011/2 for the first goal. He may be off the leash but that may be a concern in itself. Like most dogs when released they charge around aimlessly before recognising how they can get the most out of their freedom. See, you didn't think that analogy was going anywhere did you?

To Score

Ukraine's full backs like to bomb forward. Often without discipline. Tonight Ukraine must attack and it would be a surprise if they were not given the freedom of Donetsk. This will leave acres of space for England to exploit.

All week in training England would have been working on getting quick ball (think rugby union) out to their wide men from Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker. Rooney could often be wide. So there is the potential to be an endless supply line of balls into the box for Danny Welbeck or Andy Carroll, who are 3.7011/4 and 3.6013/5 to score. Rooney is 2.707/4.

Ukraine striker Andriy Schevchenko, who scored those two fine goals against Sweden, is rated only 50-50 for the game because of a knee injury. England would probably prefer it if he played in such a state. He is 3.7011/4 for a goal.

We also have a slight suspicion that John Terry could be a threat from set pieces. England have been generally dangerous with their balls into the box - particularly from the right-hand side - and the Chelsea defender ghosted in against Sweden and almost scored. Ukraine are not the best in the air and JT could take advantage at 10.5019/2.

Bookings
With only three yellow cards England are the fourth-best behaved side in the tournament. Ukraine are the goody two shoes with just two yellow cards, fewer than anyone. Under 25pts (10 for a booking, 25 for a red card) is 2.982/1.

Recommended bet

W Rooney to score at 2.707/4

France v Sweden

To score

Karim Benzema has been one of the most threatening strikers all tournament. Problem is, that is all he has been: a threat. It is time he delivered and despite the plentiful shots on target, he has to notch.

We have followed him once previously and we will keep faith with the Real Madrid player. He is the sort of powerful striker that Sweden have had problems with and rates a decent wager at 2.608/5.

Yohan Cabaye, the Newscastle man, is expected to miss out after suffering a slight knock against Ukraine. His place could go to Yann M'Vila.

Sweden coach Erik Hamren has no fresh fitness doubts, but will replace Johan Elmander with either Markus Rosenberg or Ola Toivonen up front. The pair are both 8.6015/2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is 3.90.

Recommended bets

M Benzema to score at 2.608/5