Watch: England and Team USA’s Last-16 Prospects

By Dean Ryan  | 

Dec 1st, 2022 02:14 PM  |  2 mins

 | 

 Fact Checked by Charlie Mullan

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As we move towards the knockout rounds of the 2022 World Cup and the business end of the tournament at the best World Cup betting sites, there’s a lot to discuss. Former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel sits down with Tom Lee to cover England and the USA making it out of Group B, who his favorite is at Cobrabet and a whole lot more. 

What Kind of England Lineup Can We Expect Against Senegal?

Gareth Southgate’s World Cup lineups haven’t been popular with fans. Amidst calls for him to pick a more attacking side, Southgate has often chosen more cautious teams. With a last-16 game coming up against Senegal, there are more and more calls for him to choose a more forceful team.

Senegal are a tough, physical side, so it certainly won’t be the straightforward task for England that soccer betting sites suggest it will be. Phil Foden will be an integral player for England, as they bid to live up to their position as one of the favorites in the World Cup winner betting market.

Young Players on Show in USA v Netherlands

The Netherlands have their way of playing and are unlikely to divert from that gameplan. They keep possession and look to control games. USA, along with midfield starlet Yunus Musah, will fancy their chances of causing an upset.

As runners-up from their group, USA would have expected a tough game in their first knockout game. A Dutch team with a recent track record of disappointing in major tournaments sets up well for the USMNT.

Argentina Still the Pick to Go All the Way

Despite a stuttering start to their 2022 World Cup campaign, Argentina topped their tricky-looking group and won two in a row against Mexico and Poland. Lionel Messi has two goals and an assist and remains one of the favorites to be the World Cup top goalscorer. 

It was unrealistic to expect Argentina to come out all guns blazing from the very beginning. As time, and games, go by, they should continue to grow into the tournament and they remain Brad’s choice to lift the trophy on December 18^th. 

Other World Cup Contenders Have Been a Mixed Bag

Of the other teams that were fancied to make a deep run at the World Cup, some, like Croatia, have maintained their position as dark horses. They comfortably took care of a dangerous Canada side, and are deserving of their place in the betting market alongside the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Spain and England. 

On the flip side, Belgium have once again failed to deliver so far on their pre-tournament potential. As the number-two ranked team in the FIFA rankings, they haven’t yet shown what their incredibly strong squad is capable of and will have to turn things around if they’re to mount a meaningful challenge.

Ronaldo’s Potential Move to Saudi Arabia

When top tier soccer players reach a certain point in their career, it’s normal for them to make one last move for some final pieces of silverware, to raise their global profile or for one last big contract. Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. This may seem like a strange move for a player who has played for Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United in recent years, but at this stage of his career, it’s a move that would make sense.