From the point of view of a fan of England and English football (if not the players) this match has the power of the heart ruling the head. I want Gerrard to be the first goal scorere, but it doesn't make it any more likely. I want England to win 5 nil, again, it's not any more likely because I want it to happen.
That's where matched betting and advantage play comes in. Take the offers and lay them off against each other and you can lock in a profit regardless of the result of the match. England win, you win and you feel fantastic. England lose, you still win money so don't feel quite so bad!
How can you do this? Well there are bookmaker moneyback specials all over the place, and specific bonuses on the England Italy match which should mean you'll end the night smiling regardless of what sort of abject performance (I'm trying to limit my expectations so I can only be pleased!) England decide to throw together.
How about moneyback if England lose against Italy?
Or would you prefer a bore draw refund if the match finishes nil nil?
How about moneyback if England win (so you can bet on Italy without the guilt!!)?
Maybe double odds if your first goalscorer scores in the first 20 minutes?
There are just too many England vs Italy moneyback specials to list here, but thankfully there is a full list of every moneyback special at the World Cup. Literally every single match.
I'm also a fan of the Bookie World Cup that The Gambling Times are running. Little bit of fun to be had matching off the Bookies on odds and offers. It's a one stop shop for the offers on specific games at the World Cup, and goes to show just how far behind some bookmakers are compared to others.