World Cup Africa previews continue with a focus on the FIFA World Cup odds and picks.  Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals and the Flyers-Blackhawks Stanley Cup Finals picks have built your bankroll.

Group C isn’t considered to be the elite group among 2010 World Cup sports betting fans – but perhaps no group will get more attention in the Northern Hemisphere than this group. The reason: international media centers USA and England are both participants. Let’s break down the group.

England (-275)

On paper – it’s tough to argue against England, not just as Group C favorites but also as legit contenders to win the entire World Cup. Few teams can match England’s combination of elite level talent and depth. Wayne Rooney leads the way up front and has extremely skilled players around him, including Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the middle. The biggest threat to the English is, as always, the mental block that accompanies the extreme pressure they feel from the homeland.

USA (+400)

This sports betting blog and many others will agree that this is America’s most hyped men’s soccer team yet. It’s time to find out if all the extra developmental dollars are starting to pay off. With Landon Donovan on board and Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey also around to chip in, the U.S. might be the second best offensive team in this Group. But defense could be its undoing.

Slovenia (+1000)

Make no mistake; the Slovenians will push the Americans for the second berth into the knockout rounds. They outdueled Russia to get here and allowed just four goals in 10 qualifying games. Like USA, Slovenia has a flawed team, but it’s at the other end of the offense/defense spectrum.

Algeria (+2500)

Back after 24 years away from the World Cup, Algeria is considered the outcast of this group and the odds reflect that status. There will be some stunning upsets in the tournament – there always are – but Algeria probably won’t be the team to wear Cinderella’s slipper. It scratched and clawed in the Africa Cup of Nations just to reach the World Cup, miraculously getting to South Africa despite scoring a single goal. I don’t see Algeria scoring enough to be competitive.

World Cup betting picks: England and USA. For all the worry about England choking, the group stage is rarely the problem. It will answer its questions in the later rounds. Slovenia will make life tough for the U.S. but I think the Yankees will outclass them with their arguably superior talent.

Now to the 2010 Africa World Cup odds to win Group C.