England v Italy: Why Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard is sure to score

One mouth-watering semi-final has already been set up, with Portugal and Spain set to do battle – and the Tipster is backing Steven Gerrard to score in an England win over Italy to book a last-four clash with Germany.

Our resident betting expert is backing Roy Hodgson’s men to win but reckons Sunday night’s quarter-final will be very close and is backing under 1.5 goals, while also predicting under 5.5 cards – and don’t forget to check out his audacious long shot!

England v Italy special: Place a bet before kick-off and once the game has started place another bet on any In-Play market. If your first In-Play bet loses bet365 will refund this stake, up to the same value as your largest pre-match bet (max £50).

We’ve also got a great offer for Euro 2012: Open an account at bet365 with £10 or more, and you’ll get a free bet of up to £200, on us. Click here for more information.

Gerrard to score at any time for England against Italy – 5/1

The 32-year-old has been England’s standout performer at the European championship, with three assists and playing the captain’s role to perfection. However, the Liverpool midfielder has yet to score a goal in Poland and Ukraine, despite having netted 19 in 95 appearances for the Three Lions. So, The Tipster’s opening foray for this edition is Gerrard to score at any time against Italy at 5/1.
Bet365 odds

England to beat Italy – 7/4

There’s a steely determination and unity about England under Hodgson which has already manifested itself during four victories in five games in the manager’s short reign. Of course, this will be Hodgson’s biggest test to date, and it is guaranteed to be a close affair. But with Wayne Rooney back in the frame, The Tipster is backing the Three Lions to have enough to beat the Azzurri at 7/4.
Bet365 odds

Under 1.5 goals between England and Italy – 5/4

Cesare Prandelli’s side were without a victory until they managed to beat the Republic of Ireland in their final Group C fixture. Three of England’s last five games have finished with under 1.5 goals, and two of Italy’s three last games have seen just a single goal. Therefore, under 1.5 goals between England and Italy looks like excellent value at 5/4.
Bet365 odds

Under 5.5 cards between England and Italy – 4/5

England have only picked up five cautions in their opening three games at Euro 2012, with Hodgson’s side showing great discipline. Italy have committed slightly more indiscretions, earning eight bookings in the group stage. But, with some players a yellow card away from missing the semi-finals, the Tipster is expecting under 5.5 cards between England and Italy at 4/5.
Bet365 odds

The long shot: Hart to score at any time (including pens!) – 25/1

England goalkeeper Joe Hart brazenly declared last week that he would happily take a spot-kick should the Three Lions face a penalty shootout against Italy. The 25-year-old successfully scored from the spot in England’s victory over Sweden on penalties in the Under-21 European championship in 2009. So, The Tipster’s audacious long shot for this edition is for Hart to score any time against Italy at 25/1 – and penalties count!
Bet365 odds

We’ve also got a great offer for Euro 2012: Open an account at bet365 with £10 or more, and you’ll get a free bet of up to £200, on us. Click here for more information.

Open a bet365 account with £10 or more and you'll get a free bet of up to £200 on us. Click here for more information.

Like The Sport Review on Facebook:

Read more on: England, italy, joe hart, Roy Hodgson, Steven Gerrard.