Best Of Bets

Tag: England

  • Euro 2024 | BestofBets’ semi-final punts

    Euro 2024 | BestofBets’ semi-final punts

    Forty-eight games down, three two go in Euro 2024, as the we reach the semi-final stage with two enticing clashes on the menu.

    As Spain and France meet in Munich, England and Holland lock horns in Dortmund, as Germany’s two biggest football cities decide who goes to Berlin for Sunday’s finale.

    Having hit 1/3 of our quarter-final punts (almost two with Gakpo), here at BestofBets, we’ve selected three more considerations for punters to peruse.

     

    Declan Rice to have 1+ Shot on target – 5/2 (William Hill)

    Scraping through the quarter-finals on penalties, England’s reward is a last four meeting with Holland, a game which could prove to be an open affair.

    A first meeting between the sides in a major tournament since Euro ’96, Oranje may feel revenge is in order, whilst the Three Lions look to exact their own payback to Ronald Koeman for Rotterdam 1993.

    In any case, this clash could be determined by a midfield battle, in particular England’s ever-impressive enforcer, Declan Rice.

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    The Arsenal man will be a pivotal figure, and we fancy him to get an opening or two from range.

    Forcing Yann Sommer into a smart save in extra time last weekend, Rice has notched a shot on target in two of five games this summer.

    If England once again push up the field but gather in pockets around the area, as has become custom this tournament, Rice could be in business for another.

     

    Spain vs France – Under 1.5 goals – 33/20 (Unibet)

    For the remaining two punts, we look to Tuesday’s opening clash as tournament favourites Spain look to finally put France out of their misery.

    However, Les Bleus still carry that fear factor for many teams, given their recent successes.

    Spain have looked by far the most at-ease side in Germany, and having put away the hosts in the last eight are still the ones to beat.

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    On paper, La Furia Roja look to bring the goals, but that could be countered by Didier Deschamps’ spluttering French machine.

    Whilst Spain have netted 11 goals in their five outings, France have not scored more than a single goal in any game, with just three in total up to this point.

    With the stakes so high, there is enough to suggest an open but goal-shy affair, and at a decent price.

     

    Nico Williams to score – 11/2 (BetUK)

    Just to appease our own doubt, we are looking at another angle in case the goals do flow in Munich, and Nico Williams is the man to look at.

    Spain’s flying winger, Lamine Yamal may have captured more column inches, but the Athletic Club forward has blossomed in the Euros.

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    Finally on the scoresheet against Georgia, the in-demand Williams will be baring down at an obdurate French back line, but all the same can cause problems.

    Having come to life after the Croatia game, the winger has had chances in all three games since – rested against Albania.

    Williams could yet be on the move to Barcelona later this summer, and his talents will be further showcased here, at very tasty odds.

     

    The Euro 2024 semi-finals begin on Tuesday.

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 | Main contenders latest odds

     

    The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is now well into its stride.

    Every team has played at least one match, so we’ve had the chance to assess the main runners and riders, and who is most likely to take the crown in Australia and New Zealand.

    BestofBets reviews the contenders’ opening salvos…

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    USA – 5/2

    A comfortable 3-0 win over Vietnam in their opening Group E match has done little to dampen the noise around the USWNT at this tournament.

    Sophia Smith struck twice in that match, with Alex Morgan enduring mixed fortunes after providing an assist but seeing her penalty saved.

    They should top their group, however tougher games against Portugal and the Netherlands are to come.

    Can they claim an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title? There’s a lot of competition, but the USA will take some beating.

    Spain – 7/2

    Spain have never won a Women’s World Cup before; they’ve never even progressed beyond the last 16.

    This year, it will surely be different. They boast a side packed with technical quality, who dominated from start to finish in their opening 3-0 win over Costa Rica.

    Whether the Spaniards cope with the pressure at the tournament’s sharp end, however, is the big question.

    But with two-time Ballon D’Or winner Alexia Putellas coming back from injury at the right time, the Iberians can’t be overlooked.

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    Germany – 6/1

    While some of the other fancied nations laboured in their opening games, Germany put down a real marker with a 6-0 destruction of Morocco.

    Once again, they were inspired by the effervescent Alexandra Popp, as she bagged a brace en route to the simplest of opening victories – which has tongues wagging about the prospect of a first German Women’s World Cup triumph since 2007.

    The No.2 ranked side in the world aren’t here to mess about; they mean business.

     

    England – 6/1

    The Lionesses were many people’s favourites to claim a first-ever world title before the tournament began – second in the outright tournament odds.

    But their unconvincing 1-0 victory over Haiti has created some unwanted questions for Sarina Wiegman.

    Georgia Stanway’s penalty got the job done and Mary Earps spared her teammates with a big save late on but England must improve against Denmark.

    Wiegman must decide whether to start Rachel Daly up front, rather than Alessia Russo.

    If she finds the right balance, the Lionesses are still a decent chance of going deep in the tournament.

    Other Women’s World Cup 2023 contenders

    Host nation Australia are a 10/1 shot – their hopes undoubtedly hinge on whether Sam Kerr can return from injury to star in the knockout stages.

    Narrowly overcoming the Republic of Ireland, the Matildas will need to be better against Nigeria.

    Norway were much fancied pre-tournament, but now face a scrap to qualify for the last 16 after a draw and a loss in their first two games.

    Without a single goal, the Viking nation are now a whopping 150/1 to win the whole thing.

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    There might be some value in Sweden at 20/1.

    Yes, they needed an added time winner from Amanda Ilestedt to beat South Africa 2-1, but they look a slick and well-oiled machine and have a favourable group.

    Finally, Brazil are surprisingly long odds at 14/1 despite an authoritative 4-0 opening win over Panama.

    Ary Borges netted a hat-trick and looks the real deal, while Marta remains an important figure.

  • Women’s World Cup 2023 | Alessia Russo: The Lionesses’ Fox in the Box

    Women’s World Cup 2023 | Alessia Russo: The Lionesses’ Fox in the Box

     

    Ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, BestofBets profiles England striker Alessia Russo and looks at the role she might play in the Lionesses’ potential glory in Australia and New Zealand…

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    Arsenal transfer storm

    Any footballer who moves between Arsenal and Manchester United in a World Cup summer was always going to take centre stage.

    Whether that be in women’s football, or men’s.

    Add in the fact that Alessia Russo can boast an iconic goal en-route to tournament glory with England two years ago – the backheel that was nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award 2022 – and you have a genuine superstar atop the female game.

    Having returned to her southern roots, Russo is now in search of more individual and team trophies with Arsenal.

    But not exclusively.

    The 24-year-old striking sensation made a telling admission to the media circus around her this summer.

    “Towards the end of the season it was tough and the summer has been tough,” Russo said last month. “You don’t like things in the media about you but that’s football and that’s the state of the women’s game.”

    Starring World Cup role

    Ultimately, the media coverage was a form of flattery.

    It reflected Russo’s rising star in the game, now gunning to be starter in this tournament for Sarina Wiegman’s side – rather than settle for the super sub she had at the European Championship in 2021.

    Russo is competing for a starting XI berth with the WSL’s leading scorer Rachel Daly – a converted full back – as well as Tottenham’s Beth England.

    “They are top, top players so to be able to play with them and train with them every day has been great,” said Russo.

    But Daly and England don’t have the same hype around them.

    Russo, the Baby Faced Assassin, has tournament goalscoring pedigree that Wiegman will lean heavily on.

    With 11 England goals in 22 caps, Russo knows her way around international football.

    The bookmakers believe Daly is the more likely to grab the Golden Boot, at 12/1 – although Russo is not far behind at 14/1.

    It will be an intriguing battle within a battle.

     

    Toone chemistry

    ‘Tooney and Lessi Russooooo’

    Undoubtedly, it was the chant of Euro 2021; England’s star ladies were immortalised to the tune of Status Quo’s ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’.

    The duo were Wiegman’s secret weapons, usually introduced as substitutes to inject energy into games late on.

    And although Russo has left Manchester United, where Toone still plays, the pair are still the best of friends.

    “She’ll definitely be one of my bridesmaids one day,” Russo has said regarding Toone.

    That friendship translates to an on-field chemistry that should take this England side deep into the tournament.

    Toone supplies the assists from wide positions; Russo finishes off the moves. It’s what happens.

    The exciting thing for England fans is that Russo and Toone are still only 24 and 23 respectively.

    This World Cup should see them close to their peaks, but there is still ample room for improvement.

    A thrilling prospect without question and part of the reason why the Lionesses are second favourites for the tournament at 4/1 to go all the way in Australia.

    If England’s women are to go all the way and win successive major silverware, Russo will be front-and-centre.

  • Kane, Phillips, Pickford poised to join English summer transfer trend

    Kane, Phillips, Pickford poised to join English summer transfer trend

     

    It’s the first year since the Covid-19 pandemic that England have not been involved in a major tournament.

    With rather straightforward Euro 2024 qualifying wins over Malta and North Macedonia out of the way, the transfer market is now taking over.

    And Three Lions members are front and centre, coming with it a special premium.

    Yet, it is no surprise to Gareth Southgate’s up-and-coming squad personnel on the move this summer, such is the demand for top homegrown players in the Premier League.

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    Chelsea ins and outs

    Of moved mooted and completed so far, Mason Mount looks on his way to Manchester United in a deal that could be worth £60million with add-ons.

    New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, has decided to take his squad in a new direction, with Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz also sold to ‘Big Six’ rivals.

    However, it is a high-risk policy.

    Less of an issue sees West Ham set to cash in more than £100million for skipper Declan Rice.

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    Given the inevitability of the UEFA Conference League winning captain’s exit this summer, the Hammers have nevertheless, done well to get such a fee from Arsenal.

    Manchester City, meanwhile, after snaring Kovacic, deemed a bidding war wasn’t worth their while, despite losing Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona.

     

    Best deals

    Tottenham Hotspur’s £40million deal for James Maddison, in context, looks good value.

    The playmaker, relegated with Leicester City, notched 10 goals and nine assists in the league last season alone.

    At 26, on the cusp of his peak years and with England caps starting to flow, Maddison should be a smart acquisition for Ange Postecoglou.

    What the Australian steward will have to contend with however, is the issue of a certain Harry Kane.

    Following Bayern Munich testing the waters at £60milion, Daniel Levy was always set to baulk at such a relatively paltry sum – despite his dwindling contract length.

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    Whether Kane joins the glut of English stars on the move this summer though, remains an unknown – certainly, Manchester United appear to have pulled away in their pursuit of the soon-to-be 30-year-old.

    Elsewhere, market value once more appears to sit with non-English talent.

    Aston Villa, a mere 12 months on from breaking their Club transfer record for Diego Carlos, appear to be ‘winning’ the summer window so far.

    Pursuing the free transfer of Youri Tielemans, Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres now is poised for a reunion with Unai Emery.

    A future stalwart for the Spanish National side, £35million could become a snip for a genuine star defender.

     

    Next transfer odds

    So who will be next on the move this summer?

    Will Kane follow Mount, Maddison and Rice in sealing a career-defining transfer?

    More likely, Kalvin Phillips may make the move to West Ham as Rice’s replacement.

    The City midfielder is 7/2 to swap City for the London Stadium.

    As the exodus from the King Power looks set to continue meanwhile, Harvey Barnes is 10/11 with some bookmakers to join West Ham too.

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    Conor Gallagher is 7/4 to link up with Brighton and become the next player out of Stamford Bridge this summer.

    Callum Hudson-Odoi is also likely to be part of further Chelsea exits, 7/2 to seal a switch to Nottingham Forest or 3/2 to join any Saudi Pro League club.

    Finally, could Jordan Pickford decide the time is right to leave Everton?

    Some bookmakers have him at 7/4 to become a Manchester United player.

  • Footballers whose families placed long term bets on their career

    Footballers whose families placed long term bets on their career

    In the United Kingdom, it is every parents’ dream to see their child make it big as a footballer. As a matter of fact, it is pretty common for them to take a punt on their children with the odds of them making it to club football or even the national team. Ladbrokes, an online bookmaker revealed in 2012 that they receive thousands of requests each year, while they offer fixed odds on any child under six to the count of 1000-1 to play for England and 500-1 to play in the Premier League. BestofBets takes a look at 5 such footballers whose families placed long-term bets on their career.

    5 footballers whose families placed long-term bets on their career

    1. Kai Fifield:
      Northampton based youngster Kai Fifield was on holiday in Barcelona in 2011 when he came across an academy game after his tour of the Camp Nou and asked to join in.
      He was given the chance out of the blue and he went on to play alongside Barcelona youngsters before being offered a trial.
      Bookies immediately took notice of this instance and slashed odds of the seven-year-old playing for England to as low as 50/1. Bookies also offered odds of 250/1 to play for Spain.
    2. Ryan Tunnicliffe:
      English midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe was playing for Manchester United’s youth team. His dad managed to place a bet with odds of 100/1 on his son featuring for the first team. The bet earned him £10,000 in 2012.
      His dad played an additional bet of £100 on him playing for the England national team at 350/1, although we’re not sure that would happen.
    3. Chris Kirkland:
      Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland‘s father placed a collective bet of £98.10 with a few people claiming that his son will play for England before the age of 30.
      12 years later, Kirkland played the second half of a friendly for England against Greece. As a result, his father’s group won just short of £10,000. That was his one and only appearance for his country.
    4. Harry Wilson:
      Former Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson helped his grandfather earn an incredible £125,000. This happened when he became Wales’ youngest ever international on his national team debut in 2013.
      Odds of 2500/1 were given on Wilson playing international football and his old man bet £50 on his grandson.
      Wilson now remains an integral part of the Welsh national team and plays club football for Fulham.
    5. Lewis Cook:
      Cook was plying his trade at Leeds in 2014. His grandad Trevor Burlingham was offered odds of 33/1 on the Bournemouth midfielder playing a senior game for England’s national team. He bet £500.
      In March 2018, Cook made his England debut against Italy at Wembley. His grandfather won a very impressive £17,000.All things considered, we hope you liked our list of 5 footballers whose families placed long-term bets on their career!
      You can check more of our content like this on BestofBets’ football section.