LeeDixon

Friday night saw a winning start for England and a clean sweep for this column. You can't say fairer than a 5-0 away win and you can't argue with three successful bets. England were excellent in Moldova and, while nobody is getting carried away after hammering the 141st best team in the world, you can only beat what's in front of you.

At the start of a World Cup qualifying campaign, getting the simple things right is essential. That's what Roy Hodgson's men did in Chisinau and they now have a decent platform to build on. Tom Cleverley won plaudits for his performance on his first competitive start. Rightly so, he benefited from having Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard behind him, and his surges in to the box were a key part of England's dominance.

I was very impressed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. He looked nervous during the national anthem but the key thing about nerves is how you channel them: weak competitors fold whereas good players thrive on the adrenalin and allow their nervousness to motivate them. The understanding between Oxlade-Chamberlain and Leighton Baines down the left was excellent and, in the first half, the Arsenal man was England's most creative player.


England to keep another clean sheet

Against Moldova, the only blight on an otherwise flawless night was John Terry's injury. Unfortunately, he's at a point in his career where he's going to pick up knocks with increasing frequency. He probably won't be the bedrock he's been for the last decade or so. On the plus side, centre-back is the position where England probably boast most strength in depth. Whether Gary Cahill or Phil Jagielka - my money is on the Chelsea man - gets the nod for Tuesday's match against Ukraine, I'm backing an England clean sheet.


Defoe to continue scoring streak

Both Baines and Glen Johnson made useful raids down the flanks against Moldova. Ukraine posses more pace out wide so our full-backs will probably be pinned further back this time. Same goes for the midfield and, while four of England's goals came from there last week, I think we have to look further up the park for our goalscorer bet. As England have only one striker, we'd better put our money on him. Jermain Defoe has made a strong start to the season and I'm backing him to find the net against Ukraine.


England set for a narrow win

England have a good record against the Ukraine, but what does that really count for? The 1-0 Euro 2012 group victory will be foremost in both teams' thoughts but the truth about records is that you have to be selective in how much attention to pay to them. You must stress the positives and Roy Hodgson is expert at that. He will be telling his players that they have a psychological advantage over their opponents.

I expect another England win but, at 1.41, there's no value in the match odds. England's Wembley woes are well-documented - how many times in recent years have we seen a comprehensive away win followed by a labored display in north London? - and I reckon they will have to work for this. Ukraine will sit back, try to soak up England's early impetus and break when they can. I'm backing 0-0 at half-time with England edging it in the second-half. Six points from two qualifiers? Nobody should have any complaints.


Recommended Bets
Back 0-0 @ 2.96 in half-time score
Back Jermain Defoe @ 5.6 to be first goalscorer
Back England clean sheet @ 1.88
Back 1-0 @ 6.6

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