England to triumph? Don't bet on it

England's Michael Owen is congratulated by Wayne Rooney after scoring the winner against Argentina. Photograph: Daniel Maurer/AP


And so it begins. History has clearly taught them nothing and, showing the ludicrous optimism that invariably accompanies any sort of half-decent England performance in the build-up to a major tournament, patriotic punters have been lemming-like in their haste to throw good money after bad by backing them to win next summer’s World Cup, writes Barry Glendenning.

One leading bookmaker has already claimed that an England triumph in Germany would leave bookies facing loses in excess of £10m, and the side’s odds have been shortened accordingly.

Along with Argentina, who they beat on Saturday, Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men were this morning joint second favourites to lift the trophy behind Brazil (3-1) at a best-priced 8-1 with Bet365.