by Ryan D Jaeger
England fans appear to be deserting their team and nowhere is it more evident
that in betting patterns.
Paddy Power bookmaker reports that more bets have been placed on Slovenia
than on England. 39% of bets have been on the England win (4/9) but an amazing
42% has gone outsider on Slovenia (7/1). Those aren't numbers anyone would have
guessed prior the the start of the World Cup in South Africa.
In fact, it's almost unheard of that less money will go on England in any
match, except maybe against Brazil.
7/1 odds must be tempting the punters who are probably looking to take some
insurance with all the negativity surrounding Camp England.
However, the bookies aren't biting and England's 4/9 odds to make it out of
the group, 11/10 to win the group.
England fans are asking the question though: Will Wayne Rooney final show up
to the World Cup party? Paddy Power offer 7/2 Rooney grabs the first goal and
18/1 for a hat-trick. He is 6/4 for four or more shots on goal and 22/1 (not all
too unlikely if he gets as frustrated as he did against Algeria).
John Terry believes only Rooney and Joe Cole can unlock a defence and the
bookie offers 8/1 that both these players score against the Slovenians.
On the coaching front, Paddy Power offer just 12/5 that Capello is still in
charge for England's friendly with Hungary on August 11th with Roy Hodgson the
4/1 favourite to be next manager.
In other news, Paddy Power conducted a poll to ask fans who should Capello
drop v Slovenia? These were the results (1000 respondents):
- 48% Heskey
- 17% Rooney
- 12% Terry
- 10% Lampard
- 6% Lennon
- 3% Gerrard
- 2% Barry
- 1% Johnson
- 1% A Cole
