Lion cubs on prowl

THE story of the weekend was not Manchester City’s inexorable march towards the Premier League title nor the battle at the bottom, epitomised by Crystal Palace’s late comeback.

No, the story was in India, where England’s U17 team won the World Cup and – forgive me the hyperbole – that means a ‘senior’ World Cup win is just a few years away.

We have cut the odds of the Three Lions winning the 2022 World Cup from 20-1 to 16-1 and we are even shorter at 14-1 that England win in 2026.

Manchester City are 2-9 to win the title but in the race behind them, Manchester United leapfrogged Tottenham after beating them. United are 8-1 for the title, Spurs 14-1.

Tonight, Burnley host Newcastle and are 15-8 for the win, the Magpies 17-10.

I have been so impressed with the work that both have done this season and it has the makings of a real blood-and-thunder match.

Both could get on the scoresheet, although I do think this will end in a share of the spoils.

The draw is 21-10 and both to score can be backed at Evens.