2018 World Cup: Group G Betting Guide, Predictions, Tips & Odds – Belgium, Panama, Tunisia & England
About Group G
About Group GThe biggest talking point in Group G is the rivalry between European duo Belgium and England, with it already looking like a battle between the two in terms of who finishes at the top of the standings. However, with World Cup debutants Panama being something of an unknown quantity, as well as Tunisia heading into the tournament as the highest ranked African nation, it could well be that there are a few surprises along the way. England’s final match with Belgium in Kaliningrad could well determine who finished top of Group G however, with many Premier League rivals set to go head-to-head there.
About Belgium
Despite crashing out against Wales in the quarter finals at Euro 2016, Belgium are now undoubtedly one of Europe’s biggest names, with their squad packed full of world class talent. Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez led the Red Devils to an unbeaten qualifying campaign, with Belgium dropping just two points from their ten matches. The likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku help to make up a hugely skilful squad, while their strength in depth has meant that many are backing them as a potential outside bet for the tournament this summer.
About Panama
Panama will take part in their first ever World Cup, having qualified thanks to a controversial 2-1 win over Costa Rica back in October. The Central American side will be hoping that their status as one of the least favoured teams can work in their favour in Russia, with manager Hernán Darío Gómez hoping to make a name for himself too. Despite not having any world beaters to call upon, the likes of Felipe Baloy, Blas Pérez and Gabriel Gómez help to make up a hugely experienced starting eleven, with the trio having over 300 international caps between them.
About Tunisia
As the highest ranked African nation in the competition this year, Tunisia will be hoping that they can upset the apple cart and make it through to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history. Manager Nabil Maâloul will be looking to the likes of Wahbi Khazri and Yohan Benalouane to lead from the front in Russia, with Tunisia facing England in their opening match once more, having been defeated 2-0 by the Three Lions back at France 98.
About England
Despite not having a golden generation to speak of, England travel to Russia with a quiet confidence, with Gareth Southgate’s men currently on a 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Southgate has rejuvenated the squad following their exit at Euro 2016 at the hands of Iceland, with the former Middlesbrough boss having named what is the youngest and least experienced squad for England at a World Cup.
Captain Harry Kane is undoubtedly the biggest attacking threat for England, while Raheem Sterling and Jesse Lingard are expected to start their opening match against Tunisia. Their final Group G match against Belgium could well decide who finishes top of the standings.
2018 World Cup Group G Winner Odds (Ladbrokes)
- Belgium @5/6
- England @11/8
- Tunisia @25/1
- Panama @50/1
Group G Preview & Predictions
With both Belgium and England fully expected to record opening match victories against Panama and Tunisia respectively, it could well come down to the final match in order to determine who finishes top of the pile. England have a good record against Belgium, however the Red Devils undoubtedly have a more impressive starting eleven at present. As a result, our prediction is that Roberto Martinez’s men will finish top of Group G, with England qualifying for the latter stages as runners-up.
2018 World Cup Group G Fixtures
MONDAY 18TH JUNE
- Belgium vs Panama 16:00 – Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi
- Tunisia vs England 19:00 – Volgograd Arena, Volgograd
SATURDAY 23RD JUNE
- Belgium vs Tunisia 13:00 – Otkrytie Arena, Moscow
SUNDAY 24TH JUNE
- England vs Panama 13:00 – Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
THURSDAY 28TH JUNE
- England vs Belgium 19:00 – Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad
- Panama vs Tunisia 19:00 – Mordovia Arena, Saransk