England on course for final

After booking their place in the World Cup semi-finals, England are now favourites to seal a place in their first final since 1966.

England have only ever made a major final once, which was when they won on home soil in 1966 – now they are one game away from their second.

The Three Lions have been in two other semi-finals since 1966 – at the World Cup in 1990 and the European Championships in 1996, and on both occasions they went out to Germany on penalties.

Now Croatia are stand in England’s way, but Gareth Southgate’s men are firm favourites.

“The Bookmakers are getting worried, that is for sure – the liability on England winning will be the biggest we have seen in betting history,” said OddsMonkey spokesman Peter Watton.

“But now England are short price favourites to beat Croatia, around 11/8 – indeed they could be close to be being Evens by kick-off, if not odds-on – such is the belief sweeping the country.

“The other side sees France also as firm favourites, meaning it looks like being a final between two of the oldest foes in world football – with Dider Deschamps’ men 2/1 favourites to life the trophy come Sunday.”

Selected World Cup odds:

World Cup winners
France 2/1
Belgium 11/4
England 11/4
Croatia 4/1

Semi-final odds
France 6/4 Belgium 2/1
Croatia 23/10 England 11/8

OddsMonkey are the leading Odds Experts, and specialise in analysing odds and betting markets.

Spokesman Pete Watton is available for further comment or one-on-one interviews on this subject or anything connected with a betting market – for more information please contact [email protected] or call 01916404262