England Euro 2012 Odds

Bookies unwavering as Hodgson names squad

Frank Lampard - Sergio Busquets
Frank Lampard - Sergio Busquets © GEPA pictures

The bookies have been steadfast in their opinion of England Euro 2012 betting odds, after new boss Roy Hodgson revealed his squad. There was unlikely to be any big surprises, and there wasn’t, with only the exclusion of Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand a real headline grabber. So it is pretty much business as usual in the England squad, and captaining them at Euro 2012 will be Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard, who, Hodgson said, deserved the honour on merit. So where are England standing in Euro 2012 betting at the moment? Well, they are well back behind the strong contingent of Spain, Germany and the Netherlands, that is for sure, and even back a little bit from tournament dark horses France, who they meet in the group stage of Euro 2012.

There is little pressure on England this time around, and there doesn’t even seem to be the same amount of hype in patriotic optimism as there has been in previous tournaments. The fact is, that England are an outside shot, with pundits and critics saying that even if they make it out of the group stage, where they face France, Ukraine and Sweden, it will have been a success for them. Naturally Roy Hodgson wants a run to the semi finals at the very least, as he leads the national side for the first time. With the Premier League season drawing to a close so near to the start of Euro 2012, there will not be too much time for Hodgson to prepare.

Manager Strengths
But what strengths does Roy Hodgson bring to England Euro 2012 Odds? Well, the fact that he is culturally in tune with the players may help the atmosphere. There was always a reserved, holding back feel about the squad under Fabio Capello, so Roy Hodgson may be able to unite the players a little better. He is a much respected man, very intelligent and he is a bit of a drill sergeant when it comes to players keeping their shape on the pitch. Hodgson likes organised sides and while there have been some fears over him reverting to an outdated 4-4-2 system, he may have a better understanding of the English strengths and weaknesses, and not trying to squeeze round pegs into square holes.

Squad Strengths
England fans just wanted a youthful movement after a tremendously dour World Cup 2010 campaign, but the Three Lions will still bank on a lot of experience with John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry and Steven Gerrard in the side. If they are in the side, then they need to be relied upon and take control of matches. Experience is something to be embraced, it helps with leadership and control under pressure, but it has to be used correctly and accented with youthful adventure. So experience could be a strength, and more importantly, the relationship of Hodgson being able to get the English players to play and English game may just work in their favour. No-one is expecting England to go out and play pretty football, they just want to see the national side play with pride and determination. There is a strength in not trying to play above your station. Staying organised and being difficult to beat, like Greece at Euro 2004 can win the day.

Squad Weaknesses
England don’t have the flair and passing control of Spain, and they don’t have the energy and forward spark that Germany have. Basically, England are inflexible and there still remains a lack of a back up plan. There is simply not enough in the England ranks to make bold tactical changes, other than to lump long balls forward if they are desperate. Fabio Capello is a highly decorated manager and he couldn’t get anything more than average out of an average squad.

Key Player
Not Wayne Rooney, as he will be missing for the first two group matches and England could be pretty much done by then. The key man in all of this in England Euro 2012 Odds is going to be Frank Lampard. A bit of a strange thing, you may say, but Hodgson has to solve the Gerrard/Lampard thing and use Lampard at what he is best at, driving into the opposition box. England are short up front, taking only four strikers and only three of them active for the first two matches. Therefore, Lampard’s midfield goals are crucial, because you don’t see goals coming from anywhere else.

Pre Tournament International Friendly Matches
Norway v England – May 26th
England v Belgium – June 2nd

Group Stage England Euro 2012 Odds at Bet365
England 9/5, France 9/5, Ukraine 5/1, Sweden 13/2

England Euro 2012 Outright winner Odds: 13/1 at BetFair

England Squad: Joe Hart, Robert Green, John Ruddy; Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, John Terry; Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Ashley Young; Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck.