Firm Southgate has done the right thing for Three Lions unity

A POINT would be enough for England at Wembley tonight to see them qualify for the Euro 2020 finals.

That’s an absolute given against Group A whipping boys Montenegro – even without probably one of the most valuable players in the world game Raheem Sterling.

All the build up for England’s 1,000th game has of course been dominated by the bust-up between City favourite Sterling and Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, which is such a shame.

National coach Gareth Southgate took firm and decisive action which is the hallmark of his tenure by dropping Sterling who was obviously feeling bruised about the 3-1 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Southgate, like me, believes unity is everything in a team game – and the outcome is that all our international players will now think twice about doing anything that could upset the apple cart.

Harry Kane is 2/1 favourite with Betfred to score first for England tonight with United‘s Marcus Rashford 3/1 – and if, like me, you think we’ll be going the full Monty we’re 28/1 that England win 7-0 – our best result of the qualifying campaign we are dominating.

It was a two-horse race – and it probably still is – but things are just getting a bit more interesting at the top of the Premier League. Betfred have Liverpool the clear favourites at 2/5 for the title with the odds shortening dramatically following that controversial victory over City.

Pep Guardiola’s deflated reigning champions now back in fourth place are 9/4 but the interest is now firmly on two in form clubs who are riding high namely Leicester and Chelsea.

Betfred have them both at 28/1 for the title – and odds on for a top-four finish.

The analysis of the Anfield showdown was dominated by arguments over VAR which is such a shame because all four goals were beauties.

What has gone under below the radar is the fact that three of the top teams in the land at present are managed by British managers namely Brendan Rodgers at Leicester, Frank Lampard at Chelsea – and Chris Wilder at Sheffield United.

And currently the most proficient strikers – Jamie Vardy of the Foxes and Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham with 11 and ten in the league respectively – are English.

City’s Sergio Aguero, who struggled as usual to find the net at Anfield, is on nine goals but remains the 7/2 favourite with Betfred for the 2020 Golden Boot with Vardy 4/1 and Abraham a 5/1 shot.

Meanwhile, Betfred Super League have confirmed the World Club Challenge between St Helens and the NRL’s Sydney Roosters will take place at The Totally Wicked Stadium on Saturday, February 22 – so make it your first entry in your 2020 diary.