The Ecuador vs England (Inglaterra) match will take place this Wednesday, June 4, 2014 (12:00 PM Pacific) in front of an estimated 10,000 people in Miami, despite the Sun Life Stadium holding 75,000.
It won’t matter too much about the number in the audience, as Hodgson shuffles his pack in the penultimate warm-up game before the World Cup campaign kicks into gear. Of more concern will be the chance for those on the fringes to be able to propel themselves into the starting XI, while also ensuring each member of the squad comes away from the game unscathed.
For Ecuador too, this game is a good opportunity to find some form before they begin their campaign in a decidedly easier group than England have drawn. The Ecuadorians face France, Switzerland and Honduras in Group E.
England Team News
After a decent-in- places type of display against Peru, Rooney, Gerrard, Lallana, Jagielka and Baines are all likely to be rested. This will open up the doors to Sterling, Barkley, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw to try to force their way into the manager’s plans.
Much emphasis has been placed on trying to adopt the ‘Liverpool’ way of playing, however it appears to have been overlooked that Suarez is not from England. Playing the unadventurous Henderson in central midfield seems an odd choice, a player that Liverpool will surely look to replace in the summer, with a player that has more verve.
It is hoped by most English fans that players such as Sterling and Barkley can do enough to show Hodgson they are more than capable of turning this tournament on its head, as Rooney did in Euro 2004. If the England boss can summon the courage to thrust a few youngsters into the limelight, there may not be so much sideways passing as witnessed at Wembley, and slightly more cutting edge.
Ecuador Team News
Having lost 3-1 to Mexico in Dallas a few days ago, Ecuador also lost Segundo Castillo rather horrifically with a broken leg. The player now misses out on the tournament. Antonio Valencia is one of the more established stars and he will be looking to re-establish himself on the biggest stage after a patchy season for Manchester United.
Ecuador vs England Prediction
Ecuador have had a run of 13 matches in which they have accumulated just two wins. That said, they will certainly present more of a challenge than Peru who, despite having a couple of clear-cut opportunities because of lacklustre defending, carried no really serious threat.
England should line up in a potentially exciting way to allow some of the youngsters to really express themselves, and if they do, it could be a solid win, and a change in mind for Hodgson going into the Italy game. Prediction: England 2 – 1 Ecuador
Ecuador vs England Television
The match will be televised on beIN Sports USA and beIN Sports en Espanol at 12:00 PM Pacific.
