2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Preview Day 11 (June 24)

Sunday marks the last set of matches in the second round of group play at the 2018 World Cup. England and Panama wrap up Group G action, and then Group H pits Japan against Senegal and Poland against Colombia. England defeated Tunisia in their group play opener but needed late heroics from Harry Kane to prevail, while Panama lost to Belgium in their opener and need points out of this match to avoid elimination. In Group H, Japan and Senegal lead the group after wins over Colombia and Poland, respectively, in their group play openers. Take a look at the World Cup betting odds, television channel and live stream options, and our thoughts about each of Sunday’s games.

2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Preview Day 11 (June 24)

The #ThreeLions are all set for a big day of training in Repino, before we head for Nizhny Novgorod tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Z0EDynq0rf

— England (@England) June 22, 2018

Group G: England vs Panama (3:00pm local time, 8:00am Eastern time, FS1/fuboTV)

Odds: England -417 / Draw +420 / Panama +1250 / O/U 2.5

These odds are interesting given that England almost was dragged into a draw by Tunisia in the group play opener. Their offense runs through Harry Kane, and Tunisia almost found enough of a way to keep the Three Lions off the board until late. England had other chances that they did not convert, and this is a criticism that has dogged their side for years. They face a Panama side that plays solid defense; they locked up Belgium for the entire first half before the Red Devils broke out for three goals after the intermission. At this point, Panama is looking to stave off elimination, but this is a plucky side that could hold England to a draw and then take a win against Tunisia, which could make qualification for the round of 16 come down to goal differential. Given the fact that England does not have as much talent this season and given Panama’s defensive prowess, I like the draw here.

Group H: Japan vs Senegal (8:00pm local time, 11:00am Eastern time, FOX/fuboTV)

Odds: Senegal +110 / Draw +222 / Japan +297 / O/U 2.5

Coming into this tournament, Japan looked to be in turmoil, as they had just fired their coach on the eve of the World Cup. Then came the match against Colombia, when Carlos Sanchez took a handball penalty in the box, giving Japan a spot kick in the sixth minute and leaving Colombia with 10 men the rest of the way, and now Japan has three points. They possessed for 58 percent of the game and sent six shots on target. I don’t think Senegal will take an early red card like Colombia did, but Japan has to have more confidence now than they did entering that game. Senegal is another surprise winner that took advantage of a bad mistake by an opponent, as Thiago Cionek conceded an own goal early, and then Senegal converted later in the game to get the insurance goal. However, Senegal only put two shots in goal in the match, and they’ll need to mount more pressure to take down Japan. Senegal has more speed than Japan, and I like them to take his match.

Group H: Poland vs Colombia (9:00pm local time, 2:00pm Eastern time, FOX/fuboTV)

Odds: Poland +177 / Draw +215 / Colombia +184 / O/U 2.5

Both of these teams are looking to recover from surprise losses — and to stave off elimination. Both teams dug themselves early holes — the Sanchez handball for Colombia and the Cionek own goal for Poland. However, Poland got a goal from Grzegorz Krychowiak to draw closer in the 86th minute, which should give them some encouragement. They also possessed the ball for 59 percent of the game, outshooting Senegal 10-4 (8-2 on target). Colombia also lost 2-1 but was able to get the equalizer in the 39th minute from Juan Quintero. However, it was a set-piece late in the second half that sent the Japanese back into the lead and to the win. Because neither team wants the elimination that would come with an outright loss, I see them steaming to a draw, hoping to move closer to the leaders without risking the loss.