Why are England odds on to beat Costa Rica?

Because there are mugs prepared to back a sh*t team at odds on an continually underestimating teams they don't know much about.

...because England tend to play best when there is f uck all at stake, ie they consistently fail to perform on the big stage when it really matters.

I've no idea. You'd have to be a complete mug to back england at anything below 2.2 but based england's last two games there are plenty of those mugs about!

costa rica have already said that they wouldn't mind getting columbia in the next round and they could face columbia if they finish second in the group.

England's defence is incapable of improving.

Who do Costa Rica play if they finish 1st?

costa rica could possibly get ivory coast but not yet certain.
could still be greece or japan or even colombia (though unlikely) depending on last days results.

costa rica v england match kicks off at 5pm while the ivory coast group don't kick off until 9pm same day, so no way of costa rica knowing who they will face before their game.

Haven't Costa Rica already won the group, as it would go to h2h result if finish level on points with either italy or uruguay.

Both teams will probly make 6 or 7 changes.  Costa rica may not try too hard, want to make sure they don't pick up any injuries, or bookings..

I was harshly informed the other day that goal difference is what counts first now, and the man that told me has bet italy to finish bottom of the group so he knows what he's talking about.

It's gd before h2h.

It's definitely GD first. Whoever it was who harshly informed you, was only helping you out Outpost!

probly back the draw then, & maybe a little play on costa rica.

plenty of mugs will still be backing england at odds on!!

"It's definitely GD first. Whoever it was who harshly informed you, was only helping you out Outpost!" 

he certainly put me straight MD though not so sure about helping me out as I would never ever think about betting on where a team finished in a world cup group.

I get you but it should influence your bets on the outrights as it can make a massive difference on who, and where, teams play next. Despite what Costa Rica might say about playing the Colombians, they'd be doing themselves a massive favour by finishing top of the group.

I agree with that.

too many variables for costa rica to mess around and it would be a massive boost to them and their support if they top the group.

I agree with that.

too many variables for costa rica to mess around and it would be a massive boost to them and their support if they top the group.

Incidentally, I backed England to finish bottom, so, between me and the guy who has Italy, hopefully we have it sorted. If it were decided on H2H, I'd be dragging already!