Chance for Vardy to steal the spotlight
THE dream is over. Football’s not coming home. Not for now, at least.
But there is always Qatar (10-1 says we win it in four years). England’s heroics in Russia mean there is still one game to play – and it is a perfect chance for the Three Lions to exact revenge in Saint Petersburg against Belgium. You’d have to say that the value here is probably with the Belgians at 23-20, having had a day’s extra rest and with threats all over the pitch against an England side who have given their all and look about ready to return to the UK.
Today’s game could provide a great opportunity for Gareth Southgate’s back-up players to make their mark in Russia and 9-4 says they win in 90 minutes.
With Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Ashley Young all hobbling off against Croatia, it is safe to say there will be a few changes to Southgate’s starting line-up.
Harry Kane has all but claimed the Golden Boot so don’t be surprised to see Jamie Vardy lead the line in this one – he is
11-2 to open the scoring and 7-4 to net at any time.
But most eyes will be on tomorrow’s final, where France
(10-11) will take on Croatia
(15-4).
The value here has to be with the odds-on favourites.
Their opponents have played
120 minutes of football on three separate occasions over the last two weeks.
And that should show in the latter stages of this final against a French side that boasts a substantially younger outfit.
Kylian Mbappe has been France’s main man in the knockout stages and I’m expecting him to play a vital role here and claim the Golden Ball as a result.
He is 19-10 to score at any time and 14-5 to net in a French win, which is probably my best bet of the f inal.