Bookies to stay safe in this war of old enemies

MORE memories of Euro 96 are being stirred as England prepare to enter battle against Germany at Wembley tonight.

The “football’s coming home” talk has cranked up a notch with things opening up on England’s side of the draw, just like at the last World Cup.

But it was the Germans who knocked the Three Lions out at Euro 96 and they have the firepower to cause Gareth Southgate’s men problems.

Scotland could have claimed a Wembley win in the group stage but had to settle for a point in another rematch from those finals of 25 years ago.

So the bookies are playing it safe, despite Germany only just sneaking into the last 16 with a 2-2 draw against Hungary.

William Hill price England as narrow 4/5 favourites to reach the last eight, with the Germans at 10/11. This one could go all the way to extra time and penalties again, with the draw at 90 minutes priced 9/4.

England have netted just two goals in three games.

Both teams to score also failed to land inside 90 minutes in the first three last-16 ties as things became more cagey.

So I’m going to bet against BTTS here at 21/20 with Boylesport, even though Germany’s games have been open. We could see a few flying tackles and Bet365 are offering evens on over 3.5 cards.

Sweden face Ukraine in today’s other game and there’s not much between the sides. So a one-goal winning margin appeals at 6/5 with McBookie.

Super singles: Over 3.5 cards at Wembley (Evens, Bet365). One-goal winning margin Sweden v Ukraine (6/5, McBookie).