BETS SHOCK AS IRISH BACK THREE LIONS Support grows for old enemy after Panama victory
BOOKMAKERS here have reported a huge surge in bets on England since the team’s 6-1 demolition job of Panama.
Paddy Power said the number of wagers placed on the Three Lions by Irish punters has rocketed by 60% since last Sunday’s mauling of the Central American minnows.
And their hopes were boosted even further last night when one of the top favourites Germany were knocked out at the group stage following a 2-0 defeat to South Korea.
The latest betting trends have seen England’s odds to win the tournament outright slashed from 16/1 to just 9/1 in the space of a week.
Just four teams – Spain (9/2), Brazil (5/1), France (6/1) and Belgium (8/1) – have shorter odds, though England are slight favourites for tonight’s match at 15/8.
A spokesman for Paddy Power said: THE England WAGS are taking it a lot easier than their partners on their trip to Russia.
Led by striker Jamie “As much as they may reluctant to publicly admit it, many Irish fans seem convinced football’s coming home – or close to home at least.
“If England do beat Belgium, or Vardy’s wife Rebekah, some were out until 4am after dining at a Japanese beach restaurant in St Petersburg.
They puffed on shisha be have a good run and go all the way, Irish punters may not be very happy, but at least they’ll be quids in.
“The number of bets on England have now doubled since the start of the tournament.
“Before the World Cup began, England had fewer Irish backers than most the of the big guns – proving the ninth best-backed team to reach the finals.
“Now England are the third most popular selection for Irish punters, putting the team captained Harry Kane behind Brazil and Spain as the most popular choice.”
The spokesman added: “The rebel county appears to have lived up to its name, as England is the most popular World Cup choice for punters in Cork.
“They have come out on top as the county with the most bets on our neighbours to win the tournament.” pipes, and posted snaps online. Jack Butland’s fiancee Annabel Peyton and Harry Maguire’s girlfriend, Fern Hawkins, were also out.