GLOVES OFF FOR HARRY

Lions must get down to business

ENGLAND will be looking to put down a World Cup marker in today’s friendly with Nigeria.

The Three Lions are strong favourites at 4-9 and Gareth Southgate looks to have a fully fit squad to choose from, apart from Phil Jones whose wife is due to give birth.

Nigeria are also heading to Russia and will be hoping for a positive performance to follow up a disappointing 1-1 draw with Congo during the week.

But friendlies can be taken with a pinch of salt and both teams are likely to make plenty of substitutions.

With England’s renowned strong defence I expect a home success with a 2-0 score line at

11-2 catching the eye. BetVictor are still betting on which players will make the side to face Tunisia in their opening Group G game.

There will be changes for the friendly against Costa Rica at Elland Road next Thursday but then things should be clearer. Expectations seem realistic going into the World Cup and although England should comfortably qualify from the group – and are

1-12 to do so. The second round is

7-4 favourite to see England eliminated.

One would expect them to have chalked up two wins before the final group game with Belgium where a draw is likely to take both teams through.

A punt on seven group points at 11-4 makes plenty of sense.

It’s difficult to look beyond 11-10 favourite Harry Kane in the top England goalscorer market but perhaps, given a run, Marcus Rashford at 12-1 could be the value alternative.

Real Madrid are already 7-1 to win next season’s Champions League after that amazing 3-1 win over Liverpool.

But Manchester City are 5-1 market leaders.

Liverpool are 14-1 to make amends with Man United 16-1 and Tottenham 25-1. Coach Zinedine Zidane quit this week but question marks hang over two key Real stars.

Gareth Bale scored twice – including that wonder strike in the final in Kiev – but wants more game time.

United are 9-4 favourites to secure his signature.

Cristiano Ronaldo is an 8-1 shot for a return to Old Trafford, the same price as a move to France with Paris St-Germain.

Chelsea and Arsenal have to be content with the Europa League next season and are 8-1 and 10-1 respectively to win it.

Both may feel a run would be worthwhile to get fans on side.

And after seeing Atletico Madrid justify favouritism when dropping down from the Champions League this year, both prices will be popular.

England to beat Nigeria 2-0 ................. 11-2

Go to BetVictor.com