Who Will Be England’s Best: Early World Cup Betting Odds

England may not be the favorites to win the World Cup in Brazil, but the squad certainly doesn’t lack talent.

While the general feeling among the Three Lions’ fans is rather pessimistic, Roy Hodgson has selected a side that doesn’t lack experience and is full of talent. Naturally, faithful punters will be betting on England’s success at online sportsbooks in the United Kingdom, but perhaps a smarter bet will be to support some of their players individually.

England has been drawn into the “Group of Death” and not for the first time in the history of World Cups. This time around the Three Lions will be playing alongside Italy, Uruguay, and Costa Rica in the group. Should they make it to the last 16 England will have an easier draw most probably playing against Ivory Coast or Colombia.

England’s best hopes

Best odds on England’s top scorer for the World Cup betting

• Choosing the best man for England is tough

• Online sportsbooks in the UK offer a great deal of choices

• Backing Wayne Rooney is perhaps the best valued bet

The friendlies against Peru and Ecuador have revealed that the striking force of Roy Hodgson’s team is in order. Wayne Rooney, Rickie Lambert, and Daniel Sturridge all managed to score during the last two matches. And it’s certainly a good sign for those who bet on sports in the UK considering their first World Cup match is against Italy only a week away.

Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge of course has had an exceptional season at Liverpool, finding the back of the net 21 times in league appearances in 29 matches. He has played 26 times for England, scoring eight goals, and considering the rest of the field his average of 1 goal per 3 games is quite good. Sturridge is leading the way when it comes to top England goalscorer odds with a line of 3.25 from Bet365.

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has had his share of criticism for poor performance during the last European and World Championships. He’s breathing heavily down Sturridge’s neck in terms of top striker odds: 3.75 for those betting under British gambling laws.

The Red Devil’s striker is just back from an injury, but has already proved to be highly useful in their friendlies against Peru and Ecuador. Hodgson was playing Rooney in a pretty wide position during the second match, something he has already done for Manchester United, and a position which will most probably be filled by him in Brazil if needs be.

During England’s recent qualifying campaign, Rooney found the back of the net seven times in six matches. His goals against Poland, Ukraine and Montenegro were especially valuable helping the Three Lions progress to the World Cup.

Steven Gerrard

The Three Lions captain, Steven Gerrard, is traveling to what will most probably be his last World Cup. His experience will certainly be welcomed in Brazil, and truth be told he has managed to score some decisive goals when it mattered at previous World Cups both in Germany and South Africa.

He has played 110 times for England during his career and will certainly add a couple of more in a week’s time. Gerrard found the back of the net 21 times for England, and will of course be hoping to say goodbye to the Three Lions’ fans in style. His price to be the topscorer for England equals to 11.00 odds at Bovada.

Rickie Lambert

It was only the second time Rickie Lambert appeared on the pitch for England, but he has immediately scored against Ecuador. Experts are regarding Lambert as a highly useful sub in Roy Hodgson’s team, but it might very well happen that the youngster gets enough playing time to outscore his teammates. The odds on him becoming England’s top striker are 15.00.

The rest

It’s very tough to choose from the rest of Roy Hodgson’s team as none of the other strikers are guaranteed a starting place in the squad. Take Ross Barkley for example: he has had a wonderful season for Everton, and boasts both skills and ultra-fast speed, but the 41.00 odds on him becoming England’s top men reflect his chances of putting in lots of time in Brazil.

There’s of course veteran Frank Lampard, who is certain to leave Chelsea, and like Gerrard this could be the last World Cup for him as well. The price of 26.00 on Frankie scoring the most goals for his team is justified by the same expectation of him trying his best for one last time.

Phil Jagielka got 67.00 odds, and Gary Cahill received a line of 29.00, and this is despite them both scoring against Peru. The pair is highly likely to be paired in the center-half, and will certainly be a threat to the opponent’s goal should there be lots of corner kicks. Danny Welbeck is also there with pretty high 13.00 odds, but it’s absolutely not certain just how much playing time he will get from the coach.

Best value for money

Considering all the above-said, Wayne Rooney is perhaps the smartest bet with the biggest payout. His qualifying campaign was solid, he’s got something to prove to everyone after poor performance during previous big outings, and considering the fact than Manchester United are not playing in Europe next season, this is his time to shine.