England won their friendly with Norway in midweek but they were not overly convincing -- despite the strong words of defence by manager Roy Hodgson -- and on Monday they face an altogether tougher proposition when they travel to Switzerland for their first European Championship qualifier. Now this is a tough one to call. England are not a good side, of that there's little doubt. However, through the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck, they have enough firepower to score some goals, which makes writing them off dangerous. They also have a very good record in qualifying campaigns over recent years.
Bet of the weekend
On paper, Switzerland are a decent side, but not world-beaters. They have some flair and some outstanding players, who could well cause England a lot of trouble. They are at home, which will obviously help. A draw would be a good, and acceptable result for England -- and since the rest of their group are poor -- would probably be OK for both. I am tempted to say take the 5/6 on Switzerland, with the draw no bet, which means if it's a draw you get your money back. But since the draw is something that both sides will be happy with, that is worth taking at 8/5 with bet365.
Safe bet
Greece were spectacularly dull at the World Cup, until their last game but they were not terrible, and were defensively solid. Romania are the visitors on Sunday and I am slightly surprised to see the Greeks installed as even money to win. Romania were beaten at home in their last friendly by Algeria, who are decent. But Greece are much better when they are at home and the even money with bet365 simply has to be taken.
Outside bet
Germany were humbled in midweek by Argentina in a repeat of the World Cup final but to me that means bad news for Scotland, who are the visitors on Sunday. Joachim Loew's side will be very keen to start their campaign with a win, and perhaps they will take their annoyance at the Argentina result out on the Scots. However, it's not that easy to just turn it on when you didn't play well last time, and with the Scots likely to park the bus, it might just be by the odd goal. A win is the important thing for the Germans, so take a risk and take the 6/1 with bet365 on them to win 1-0.