To Make England’s World Cup Squad Betting – Football Odds

Plenty of World Cup places still up for grabs

World Cup Betting

England’s squad will definitely travel to the World Cup in Russia this summer, unless the government specifically tell them not to.

There has been pressure to boycott the tournament following Russia’s alleged involvement in the poisoning of a former spy and his daughter on English soil and even call for support from other EU nations, but the Football Association is taking the view that international diplomatic relations are no concern of the football authorities and it will be business as usual unless told otherwise.

Gareth Southgate is set to name his squad for upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy and speculation is growing about who will make it on the flight to Russia, though bookmakers disagree on the chances of several. Harry Kane will definitely be in the final squad if fit but England’s goal machine is almost certain to miss a few weeks of action having suffered an ankle injury playing for Tottenham against Bournemouth last week. At the time of writing, Spurs are still awaiting the results of a scan to determine any damage but the striker, who has captained the international team in recent games, won’t be rushed back.

Jose Mourinho’s comments that Southgate has told him that Marcus Rashford will definitely be going to the World Cup were a bit strange and should probably be taken with a pinch of salt but the Manchester United youngster is only a best 1/9 with Betfair to get the nod.

Jamie Vardy is 1/20 to go to Russia with Betfair but only 1/5 in places. England aren’t blessed with natural goalscorers so his omission would be a huge surprise. Bigger prices among the forwards include Theo Walcott at a best 9/2 and Daniel Sturridge at 7/1. There’s usually at least one surprise and Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson is a best 10/1 with team-mate Jermaine Defoe at a massive 25/1.

Southgate’s goalkeeping problems are more acute. Joe Hart is still 4/6 to travel with Betfair having hardly played for West Ham this season but his rivals for that number one position, Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford, have had their moments lately while Tom Heaton has had an injury-plagued campaign and Fraser Foster is out of favour at Southampton.

In defence, Danny Rose is just 1/10 with one layer but 8/13 with another. Chris Smalling’s prospects range from 10/11 to 7/4 but he hasn’t been at the forefront of the England’s manager’s thoughts over the last few months and is likely to miss out if Southgate decides a back three is his best option. There is plenty of choice in that sector with Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Gary Cahill, John Stones, Joe Gomez and Michael Keane.