England Captain Odds Point To Steven Gerrard

The John Terry England captaincy saga has escalated into a media storm with seemingly everyone wading in with an opinion on the subject. Last week the Football Association stripped the defender of the armband after learning that his court hearing for alleged racism towards Anton Ferdinand will not take place until after Euro 2012. England manager Fabio Capello reacted angrily towards the news as he was not consulted about the decision. The Italian must now face the difficult task of naming a new captain as England prepare for the European Championships this summer.

Inspirational Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is the hot favourite in the betting. The 31-year-old leads by example and is popular with both players and supporters. There are however concerns over his fitness. In recent years he has been plagued by injuries but providing he is fully fit and in-form then he is widely expected to lead The Three Lions out at Euro 2012. After Gerrard the field is wide open with a number of players in with a shout. Scott Parker has emerged as a serious contender in the betting with odds of 7/2 with Paddy Power. The 2010/11 Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year may not have the international experience of some of his colleagues but his passion, determination and fighting qualities cannot be doubted. His battling performances have also made him a pivotal part of Capello’s plans.

Gareth Barry has leadership experience at club level but may not be the most popular choice. Despite impressive performances for Man City this season he is still remembered for his sluggish displays at the World Cup. At 8/1 goalkeeper Joe Hart is definitely worth a bet. The 24-year-old has proved himself to be a mature, reliable and consistent player and will be involved with England for at least the next 10 years.  Frank Lampard would usually be considered among the favourites but with his starting place in doubt he is unlikely to be named captain. Former skipper Rio Ferdinand instantly ruled himself out of contention but you never know in football and he has outside odds of 20/1.

England have been drawn in Group D for Euro 2012 where they will face France, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine. They kick-off their tournament against France on Monday 11th June in Donetsk and have been installed as the 6/4 favourites to win the group. Capello’s men are also available at 9/1 to win the Championships for the first time in their history.

Captain for first game of Euro 2012 Finals

• 4/6 – Steven Gerrard
• 7/2 – Scott Parker
• 7/1 – Gareth Barry
• 8/1 – Joe Hart
• 8/1 – Frank Lampard
• 14/1 – Ashley Cole
• 20/1 – Rio Ferdinand

Odds provided by Paddy Power

England 11/4 To Draw Ireland in Euro 2012 Group Stage

Euro 2012 Group Stage Draw – Friday 2^nd December (Sky Sports News from 4.30pm)

The eagerly anticipated Euro 2012 Group Stage draw takes place on Friday 2^nd December with 16 nations currently anxiously awaiting their fate. The competing teams playing in next summer’s European Championship will be split into four groups of four (A-D). Each team has been seeded according to their UEFA coefficient and divided into one of four Pots according to their respective ranking.

Euro 2012 Group Stage Draw Seeds

Pot 1: Poland, Ukraine, Spain, Netherlands
Pot 2: Germany, Italy, England, Russia
Pot 3: Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Sweden
Pot 4: Denmark, France, Republic of Ireland, Czech Republic

As hosts, Poland and Ukraine have been placed in the first Pot, alongside the two highest ranked teams, Spain and Holland. England are in Pot 2 while the Republic of Ireland are in Pot 4, meaning there is a real possibility that the two countries will be placed in the same group. Paddy Power have England priced at 11/4 to be drawn in the same group as Ireland in the Euro 2012 Group Stages. England will be desperate to avoid a potential Group of Death which could see them drawn against Spain, Portugal and France. No group will be easy, as England found out at World Cup 2010, but they will no doubt prefer to be drawn against either Ukraine or Poland from Pot 1, potentially Greece from Pot 3 and then perhaps Denmark from the last Pot.

England have been priced at 11/1 to win Euro 2012, 15/2 to finish runners-up, 7/2 to reach the last four and 7/2 to either be eliminated in the group stage or the quarter finals. Paddy Power are also running an England Group Points market, with the Three Lions available at 7/1 to win all three group games and collect 9 points.

Euro 2012 Outright Betting

• 5/2 – Spain
• 3/1 – Germany
• 7/1 – Holland
• 11/1 – England
• 12/1 – Italy
• 12/1 – France
• 18/1 – Portugal
• 25/1 – Russia
• 33/1 – Croatia
• 40/1 – Ukraine
• 50/1 – Ireland
• 50/1 – Denmark
• 66/1 – Sweden
• 66/1 – Poland
• 66/1 – Czech Republic
• 66/1 – Greece

England Stage Of Elimination

• 7/4 – Group Stage
• 7/4 – Quarter Finals
• 7/2 – Semi Finals
• 15/2 – Runners Up
• 11/1 – Winner

England Group Points

• 50/1 – Exactly 0
• 16/1 – Exactly 1
• 12/1 – Exactly 2
• 15/2 – Exactly 3
• 4/1 – Exactly 4
• 5/1 – Exactly 5
• 7/2 – Exactly 6
• 7/2 – Exactly 7
• 7/1 – Exactly 9

Odds supplied by Paddy Power

Euro 2012 Play Off Betting: Estonia v Republic of Ireland

Estonia v Republic of Ireland – Friday 11th November (Sky Sports 1, 19.45pm)

When the Euro 2012 play-off draw was announced back in October the Republic of Ireland were overjoyed to learn that they had avoided the likes of Turkey and Bosnia & Herzegovina and been handed a draw with underdogs Estonia. Ireland have only qualified for the European Championships on one occasion (West Germany 1998) and on Friday they will be aiming to edge closer to reaching their first major tournament since the 2002 World Cup. Paddy Power have priced Ireland as the narrow 7/5 favourites to win the first leg, while Estonia have been handed odds of 2/1, with a draw available at 11/5.

Ireland had a relatively successful qualifying group losing just the once as they finished second to Russia. Estonia were the surprise outfit of Group C, finishing above Serbia, Slovenia and Northern Ireland to snatch second spot behind the runaway leaders Italy. Estonia have never reached the finals of a major tournament and during qualification they suffered an embarrassing defeat to minnows Faroe Islands which was one of four games they lost. However, it is always dangerous to underestimate an opponent and Giovanni Trapattoni is far too experienced to let his squad think that their place in next summer’s showdown tournament is already secured. On paper Ireland are the stronger side but we all know that pressure and nerve play a massive part in big games. Ireland will still be reeling from their controversial defeat to France in their World Cup 2010 play-off and will no doubt use that agonising loss as a source of motivation.

The two teams have only met twice in their history with Ireland coming out on top 2-0 on both occasions. Defender Richard Dunne scored in both of those wins and is available at 16/1 to open the scoring on Friday. Ireland will be looking to take the initiative from the off and will be delighted if they can take a lead into the second leg in Dublin on Tuesday 15^th November. Paddy Power have the Irish available at 5/1 to win the first match 1-0 and at 17/2 to come out 2-1 winners, while a 1-1 draw is priced at 5/1. Ireland’s Robbie Keane is the 5/1 favourite to open the scoring on Friday, with his striker partner Kevin Doyle available at 13/2, while both Simon Cox and Jon Walters are both priced at 7/1 to score first. Estonia’s Jarmo Ahjupera can be backed at 6/1 and Sergei Zenjov at 7/1.

Estonia v Ireland Odds

• 2/1 – Estonia
• 11/5 – Draw
• 7/5 – Ireland

Correct Score Betting

• 13/2 – Estonia 1-0
• 13/1 – Estonia 2-0
• 10/1 – Estonia 2-1
• 40/1 – Estonia 3-0
• 30/1 – Estonia 3-1

• 5/1 – Ireland 1-0
• 9/1 – Ireland 2-0
• 17/2 – Ireland 2-1
• 22/1 – Ireland 3-0
• 22/1 – Ireland 3-1

• 11/2 – Draw 0-0
• 5/1 – Draw 1-1
• 14/1 – Draw 2-2

First Goalscorer Betting
(Estonia)

• 6/1 – Jarmo Ahjupera
• 7/1 – Sergei Zenjov
• 11/4 – Kaimar Saag
• 15/2 – Konstantin Vassiljev

(Ireland)

• 5/1 – Robbie Keane
• 13/2 – Kevin Doyle
• 7/1 – Simon Cox
• 7/1 – Jon Walters
• 13/5 – Leon Best
• 9/1 – Andy Keogh

All odds supplied by Paddy Power

Euro 2012 First Scorer Cashback Special with Boylesports

The final cluster of Euro 2012 qualifying matches take place on Tuesday and with a number of groups still unresolved it promises to be a night of pure drama and tension. With England already through and having played all their matches attention will turn to the likes of Scotland and Republic of Ireland who will learn their fates when the final whistle has been blown. Boylesports are offering a fantastic special whereby if your players scores the second goal in Spain v Scotland, Bulgaria v Wales or Italy v Northern Ireland, then they will refund your losing first goalscorer stake on that match

Scotland still have their fate in their own hands in Group I but, with their final game away to the defending World and European champions Spain, the odds are certainly stacked against them. Boylesports have Spain as the odds on 1/6 favourites for the win, while Scotland have outside odds of 16/1, with a draw priced at 6/1. If Czech Republic lose away to Lithuania then Scotland will definitely be in the play-offs, however, you feel that the Scots will need to come away with at least a point to have any hope of going through. They will therefore be placing their faith in striker Kenny Miller and midfielder Craig Mackail-Smith who both have odds of 12/1 to score the first goal of the game. Spain have a formidable attack, with David Villa and Alvaro Negredo priced at 11/4 to open the scoring, and Fernando Torres at 7/2.

Republic of Ireland need a point at home to Armenia in order to go through to the play-offs. However, Ireland are still in with a chance of finishing top of Group B if they win the match and Russia lose at home to Andorra. Boylesports have Ireland priced at 8/11 to win, with a draw available at 5/2. Armenia have been handed offs of 4/1 to come away with the win.

Nigel Worthington will take charge of his final match as Northern Ireland manager on Tuesday after deciding to step down at the end of the Euro 2012 qualifiers. Northern Ireland can no longer qualify for the Finals but will be looking to put in a positive performance away to Group C winners Italy. The yface a tough task with long odds of 16/1, with Italy the 2/11 favourites. A draw would be a very impressive result at 9/2. David Healy is available at 12/1 to open the scoring while Italy’s Giuseppe Rossi is the 5/2 favourite to score first.

Like Northern Ireland, Wales cannot qualify for Euro 2012 and will be playing for pride in their final Group G match away to Bulgaria. After a torrid start, where they lost their opening four games, Wales have recovered somewhat with two wins in three matches and if the beat Bulgaria they have a good chance of finishing third. Boylesports have Wales at 3/1 to come away with the three points, while Bulgaria are the 10/11 favourites, with a draw priced at 11/4. Craig Bellamy and Steve Morison are available at 7/1 to score first while Gareth Bale has been handed odds of 8/1.

Spain v Scotland First Goalscorer Odds

• 11/4 – Alvaro Negredo
• 11/4 – David Villa
• 7/2 – Fernando Torres
• 4/1 – Fernando Llorente
• 9/2 – Pedro

• 12/1 – Kenny Miller
• 12/1 – Craig Mackail-Smith
• 14/1 – David Goodwillie

Italy v Northern Ireland First Goalscorer Odds

• 5/2 – Giuseppe Rossi
• 7/2 – Antonio Cassano
• 7/2 – Pablo Daniel Osvaldo

• 12/1 – David Healy
• 14/1 – Warren Feeney
• 14/1 – Patrick Mccourt

Bulgaria v Wales First Goalscorer Odds

• 11/2 – Valeri Bozhinov
• 6/1 – Ivelin Popov
• 13/2 – Dimitar Rangelov
• 13/2 – Valeri Domovchiyski

• 7/1 – Craig Bellamy
• 7/1 – Steve Morison
• 8/1 – Gareth Bale

All odds courtesy of Boylesports

Montenegro v England Betting – Money-Back Special with Betfred

Montenegro v England – Friday 4th October, Sky Sports 1 (8pm)

England currently lead Group G by six points and need just one more to qualify for the Euro 2012 Finals in Ukraine and Poland next summer. However, standing in their way is Montenegro who themselves still hold hopes of gaining the automatic qualification spot but, in order to do so, they must earn maximum points from their remaining two fixtures, which means they must beat England on Friday. With the strength of their team and on the basis of their recent away form (four wins out of four) England should really come away with the three points. The bookmakers certainly think so with Fabio Capello’s men the odds on 8/11 favourites with Betfred for the win, with Montenegro priced at 100/30. A draw is available at 9/4.

Betfred are offering a Double Delight betting special where if your player scores the first goal and then goes on to score again, Betfred will double your first goal scorer price and if he then goes on to score a hat-trick they will treble it. With that in mind Wayne Rooney looks a good bet as the 7/2 first goal scorer. The striker has been in scintillating form this season and is priced at 5/1 to score two or more goals and 20/1 to grab his third hat-trick of the season. Ashley Young has also enjoyed a fantastic start and is a tempting 8/1 to open the scoring and 9/2 to score anytime in an England win. A resurgent Frank Lampard can be found with odds of 13/2 to score the first goal of the match.

England will have to be aware of the likes of Dejan Damjanovic, who is available at 8/1 to score first, and the 9/1 priced Mirko Vucinic. After a flying start to qualification Montenegro have dipped slightly with one point from their last two games. However, a win against England will not only keep their automatic qualification hopes alive but fill them with confidence ahead of their final group match away to Switzerland.

Match Betting

• 100/30 – Montenegro
• 9/4 – Draw
• 8/11 – England

Correct Score

• 7/1 – Montenegro 1-0
• 16/1 – Montenegro 2-0
• 14/1 – Montenegro 2-1

• 9/2 – England 1-0
• 13/2 – England 2-0
• 7/1 – England 2-1
• 11/1 – England 3-0
• 11/1 – England 3-1
• 25/1 – England 3-2
• 28/1 – England 4-0

• 11/2 – Draw 0-0
• 5/1 – Draw 1-1
• 14/1 – Draw 2-2

First Goalscorer

• 7/2 – Wayne Rooney
• 9/2 – Darren Bent
• 5/1 – Danny Welbeck
• 5/1 – Bonbby Zamora
• 11/2 – Andy Carroll
• 13/2 – Frank Lampard
• 7/1 – Theo Walcott
• 8/1 – Ashley Young

• 8/1 – Dejan Damjanovic
• 9/1 – Andrija Delibasic
• 9/1 – Mirko Vucinic

All odds supplied by Betfred

Holders Spain The Early Favourites In Euro 2012 Betting

During the past few days four countires have gained automatic qualification to the European Championships next summer, with Spain, Germany, Holland and Italy joining the joint hosts Ukraine and Poland in the eagerly anticipated Finals. The betting will really start to hot up during the next nine months so why not take advantage of the current odds, as they are sure to shorten as the tournament draws ever closer. Euro 2012 will take place between 8th June and 1st July 2012 and will be the last 16-team European tournament, with Euro 2016 expanded to 24 teams.

The current World and European Champions Spain are definitely the team to beat. They boast a 100% record in qualification so far with six wins out of six and with the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and David Villa in their squad you can see why they are the relatively short 11/4 favourites with Paddy Power to win what would be their third major trophy in a row.

It is by no means a one-horse race. Germany are always in contention in major tournaments, and after narrowly losing to Spain in the Final of Euro 2008 they will be gunning to go a step further and win this time round. Germany have won all eight of their qualification games to date and look in magnificent form heading into next years tournament. They know what it takes to win having been crowned European Champions three times. Joachim Löw’s men can currently be found with odds of 4/1 to add to that impressive collection.

Last year’s beaten World Cup Finalists Holland have been priced at 11/2 to win Euro 2012. The Dutch are in great form at the moment and have won all eight of their qualification games to date, including an 11-0 thrashing of San Marino last Friday.

England edged closer to securing their spot in Ukraine and Poland with a tight 1-0 win against rivals Wales. The English have gained an unwanted reputation of crumbling under the pressure in major tournaments and the players will be deserpate to give us supporters something to cheer about next summer. Fabio Capello’s men are currently available at 8/1 to win their first European Championships. Italy and France, who both had shocking World Cup’s last year, can be found at 11/1 to win Euro 2012. On their day both teams are a match for anybody and will certianly be contenders next year.

If you are looking for an outside bet Russia are available at 28/1 while joint hosts Ukraine can be found with odds of 40/1.

The nine group winners of the qualification groups qualify automatically, as do the best runners-up. They will be joined by the four winners of the play-offs, which are contested by the other eight second-placed teams. The first legs of the play-offs are sceduled to be played on either the 11th or 12th of November with the second legs due to take place on the 15th November.

Euro 2012 Winner Odds – Correct as of 07/09/2011

(Each Way Terms 1/2 places 1,2)

• 11/4 – Spain
• 4/1 – Germany
• 11/2 – Holland
• 8/1 – England
• 11/1 – Italy
• 11/1 – France
• 14/1 – Portugal
• 28/1 – Russia
• 40/1 – Ukraine
• 50/1 – Croatia
• 66/1 – Poland
• 80/1 – Ireland
• 300/1 – Scotland

All odds supplied by Paddy Power

England v Wales Betting – Money-Back Special with Paddy Power

England v Wales – Tuesday 6th September, ITV 1 (19.45pm)

England play rivals rivals Wales on Tuesday at Wembley Stadium in their penultimate Euro 2012 Group G qualification match. Both teams recorded wins on Friday, with England now leading the group G by three points and Wales finally getting off the mark with their first three points of the campaign. Paddy Power have England as the odds on 1/7 favourites to win, with Wales huge outsiders at 18/1, while a draw is available at 13/2. Paddy Power are offering a Money-Back Special where by if England lead at half-time but fail to win the match, they will refund all losing First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer, Correct Score and Scorecast single Bets placed on the match.

Wayne Rooney continued his stunning start to the season with a well taken brace against Bulgaria. The in-form striker looks a good bet to be the 5/2 first goalscorer, while he has odds of 12/5 to score another double and 15/2 to score a hat-trick. Andy Carroll may be starting against Wales, and if so, is a tempting 7/2 to open the scoring, while Ashley Young is priced at 9/2. For Wales Steve Morison is available at 14/1 to be the game’s first goalscorer, whereas winger Gareth Bale has been handed odds of 18/1.

England haven’t won at Wembley in four matches, which will be a slight concern going into Tuesday’s match. A draw wouldn’t be the end of the world for The Three Lions but they will be looking for the three points in order to avoid a nervy final match away to Montenegro in October. We expect England to simply be too strong for Wales, with another 3-0 win looking good value at 11/2.

Match Odds

• 1/7 – England
• 18/1 – Wales
• 13/2 – Draw

First Goalscorer Odds

• 5/2 – Wayne Rooney
• 7/2 – Andy Carroll
• 4/1 – Jermaine Defoe
• 9/2 – Ashley Young
• 11/2 – Frank Lampard

• 14/1 – Steve Morison
• 16/1 – Robbie Earnshaw
• 18/1 – Gareth Bale

Correct Score Betting

• 13/2 – England 1-0
• 9/2 – England 2-0
• 9/1 – England 2-1
• 11/2 – England 3-0
• 10/1 – England 3-1
• 33/1 – England 3-2
• 10/1 – England 4-0
• 14/1 – England 4-1
• 50/1 – England 4-2
• 13/1 – England 5-0
• 22/1 – England 5-1

• 55/1 – Wales 1-0
• 200/1 – Wales 2-0
• 60/1 – Wales 2-1

• 18/1 – Draw 0-0
• 13/1 – Draw 1-1
• 30/1 – Draw 2-2

All odds courtesy of Paddy Power

Bulgaria v England Betting – First Goalscorer Specials with Betfred

Bulgaria v England – Friday 2^nd September, 19.15pm (Sky Sports 1)

England face two crucial Euro 2012 qualifiers in the next week as they aim to take a huge step towards automatic qualification for the Finals next summer. First up for Fabio Capello’s men is a trip to Sofia on Friday where they will play Bulgaria. England are currently locked on 11 points with Montenegro at the top of Group G where as Bulgaria are down in 4^th with just five points. The hosts must win in order to have any chance of qualifying for next year’s tournament in Poland and Ukraine so expect them to come out strong. The Three Lions have picked up maximum points from their two games on the road in qualification and will be gunning for three more points that will edge them closer to qualification. England beat Bulgaria convincingly 4-0 at Wembley last September and are the 1/2 favourites with Betfred to come out on top this time around.

Betfred are currently running a special where if the player you choose to score the first goal of the match then goes on to score again, then they will double your first goalscorer price. If your player goes on to score a hat-trick then they will treble it! Wayne Rooney has enjoyed a cracking start to the season and will be brimming with confidence following his hat-trick against Arsenal last Sunday. Rooney looks a good pick as the 3/1 favourite to open the scoring on Friday, with odds of 7/2 to get a brace and 16/1 to get himself another hat-trick. You can also find odds of 7/4 that Rooney scores anytime and England win.

Rooney’s new club team mate Ashely Young also grabbed himself two fine goals at the weekend and will most likely be in the starting line-up against Bulgaria. If so then the talented winger is a tempting 7/1 to open the scoring in Bulgaria, while fellow United player Tom Cleverley is an outside bet at 33/1 to score first. Elsewhere Darren Bent is priced at 4/1, with Andy Carroll and Jermaine Defore both available at 6/1 and Frank Lampard at 7/1. England should be too good for Bulgaria, with Rooney to score first and England to win 3-1 at 33/1 looking like a good outside bet.

Match Odds

• 1/2 – England
• 9/2 – Bulgaria
• 11/4 – Draw

First Goalscorer

• 3/1 – Wayne Rooney
• 4/1 – Darren Bent
• 6/1 – Andy Carroll
• 6/1 – Jermaine Defoe
• 7/1 – Frank Lampard
• 7/1 – Theo Walcott
• 7/1 – Ashley Young
• 10/1 – Adam Johnson
• 10/1 – Stewart Downing
• 14/1 – Tom Cleverley

Correct Score

• 5/1 – England 1-0
• 11/2 – England 2-0
• 7/1 – England 2-1
• 9/1 – England 3-0
• 9/1 – England 3-1
• 25/1 – England 3-2
• 20/1 – England 4-0
• 18/1 – England 4-1
• 40/1 – England 4-2

• 9/1 – Bulgaria 1-0
• 20/1 – Bulgaria 2-0
• 18/1 – Bulgaria 2-1
• 80/1 – Bulgaria 3-1
• 66/1 – Bulgaria 3-2

•  7/1 – Draw 0-0
• 6/1 – Draw 1-1
• 16/1 – Draw 2-2
• 66/1 – Draw 3-3

All odds supplied by Betfred

Euro 2012 Qualifier: England v Switzerland Betting

After another hectic end of season finale England’s superstars would be forgiven for packing their bags and jetting off abroad for a deserved holiday. However, they cannot afford to relax just yet as there is the small matter of an important Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland at 4:45pm on Saturday 4^th June.

The Three Lions are currently locked on 10 points with surprise contenders Montenegro at the top of Group G, with their superior goal difference all that separates the two teams. In contrast, the much fancied Swiss side have had a woeful campaign, where they have picked up just four points from four games. Their Head Coach, Ottmar Hitzfeld, knows that they need to come away with an unlikely victory at Wembley in order to ignite their slim qualification chances. Whereas a win for Fabio Capello’s men could extend England’s lead to three points at the top of the table as they edge closer to automatic qualification for Euro 2012 next summer.

England were convincing 3-1 winners aginst Switzerland back in September when the teams met in Basel. England are firm favourites at 4/11 to come away with the three points on Saturday, whilst Switzerland are outsiders at 8/1 to record what would be a shock win. However, the Swiss cannot be taken for granted as this is the same team who upset the eventual champions Spain 1-0 in their opening group game of the 2010 World Cup. If England can play to their full potential we fancy a convincing win, with a scoreline of 3-1 looking good value at 11/1 with Victor Chandler.

With Wayne Rooney suspended and Jermaine Defoe injured, England face a mini-striker crisis. This could be a blessing in disguise as it gives fringe forwards such as Darren Bent, Bobby Zamora and Peter Crouch a chance to shine and really prove themselves on an international level. Victor Chandler have given Bent odds of 18/5 to open the scoring and 4/1 to grab a brace, whilst Zamora and Crouch are both available at 17/4 to score the game’s opening goal.

England v Switzerland Match Odds

4/11 – England

8/1 – Switzerland

18/5 – Draw

England v Switzerland Specials

6/1 – Theo Walcott to open the scoring

18/1 – Darren Bent to score a hat-trick

33/1 – England 5-0 Switzerland

All odds are courtesy of Victor Chandler

Gareth Barry favourite to captain England against Ghana

Fabio Capello is expected to name a much changed squad for England’s friendly with Ghana tomorrow, allowing fringe players the opportunity to impress. With Frank Lampard, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney all due to be rested, the captain’s armband is up for grabs. Skybet have installed the Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry as the favourite to skipper the three lions at 2/5. In February Barry briefly captained England for the last ten minutes in a friendly against Denmark.

West Ham midfielder Scott Parker impressed in his holding role in England’s 2-0 against Wales last Saturday, and is available at odds of 4/1 to captain the national side against Ghana. Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott and Joe Hart are also in the running, with the Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere an outsider at 10/1.

England are 4/7 to win, whilst Ghana are 9/2 to pull off a surprise victory, with a draw 9/2. The Black Cats will bid to become the first ever African side to win on English soil and will be full of confidence after their 3-0 win against Congo last weekend. The win put them top of their African Cup of Nations qualifying group.

England Captain v Ghana with Skybet:

• 2/5 – Gareth Barry
• 4/1 – Scott Parker
• 5/1 – Glen Johnson
• 8/1 – Joleon Lescott
• 10/1 – Jack Wilshere
• 10/1 – Joe Hart
• 14/1 – Peter Crouch
• 16/1 – Jermaine Defor

Click here for your free £10 bet with Skybet

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