Odds on - in association with Paddy Power

Punters have been quick to latch on to Paddy Power's special moneyback offer for tomorrow's game. If Wayne Rooney gets a goal, the bookmakers will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets.

The Manchester United striker has been clipped into 10-11 to score at any time and he's 7-2 to break the deadlock. It's not just England who will benefit if Rooney finds the back of the net.

For every Rooney goal at the tournament, the bookmakers have pledged to pay children's charity Barnardo's £2500.

If Rooney can perform like he has for his club this season, then England could go all the way. However, there's also a dark side to the player that threatens to derail England's bid.

He was shown a yellow card for dissent in England's final warm-up game and reports suggest Fabio Capello has had a word with him about his temper in a bid to avoid a repeat of his sending-off in the 2006 World Cup.

Fears over Rooney's fragile temperament have led to England being pushed out to 8-1 to lift the World Cup, while Rooney is 6-1 to be sent off at any time.

Slow starters

Don't expect England to come out all guns blazing against the USA. The Three Lions have a poor record in opening games at big tournaments — they have won a paltry two of their last 10.

Tomorrow's clash in Rustenburg is almost certain to determine who finishes top of Group C, which would secure an easier passage to the semi-finals.

Let's not get too carried away but England should be good enough to beat Ghana or Australia, either of whom they could meet in the last 16, and France, who are possible quarter-final opponents.

Fabio Capello's men are 8-15 to get their campaign off to the perfect start but that's far too short. We'll take a chance on an England win after it's all square at half-time, which is 3-1.

1966 and all that

England have only ever faced the Yanks once in a competitive fixture — and they lost that game 1-0 in 1950 with a team featuring Tom Finney, Billy Wright and Stan Mortensen.

It's a nailed-on certainty that this will be mentioned at some point during ITV's coverage and Paddy Power have 1950' at 7-1 in their market on the first phrase to be used by commentators.

It just wouldn't be an England game without a reference to David Beckham. And even though he's ruled out, the midfielder has a role off the field as part of Fabio Capello's coaching team.

David Beckham' is 15-8 to be the first phrase used. At 5-1, 1966' is an attractive price.

Whenever England go into a major tournament, Bobby Moore and Co are always referred to. And at some point of the pre-match coverage, viewers will be reminded that it's now 44 years of hurt.