Being expected to win in football can be something of a double-edged sword. Some teams thrive on being the favourites, others let the pressure of expectation get to them. Over the last couple of decades, England have fallen into the latter category. Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, John Terry and even England’s record scorer Wayne Rooney will all be remembered as great players, but perhaps not as great players in the white shirts of England.


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In terms of expectation, the last two major tournaments – World Cup 2014 and Euro 2016 – seemed to be a watershed moment. The old maxim adorning the back of newspapers was “England expects”, now it is more “England expects disappointment”. But, has the pendulum swung too far in the other direction? Has past disappointment skewed the view of the England football team?

Brazil and Germany heavily backed as World Cup favourites

Before a ball has been kicked in Russia, England have been priced in as seventh favourites for the tournament at odds of 18/1 (Bet365). The teams in front of them are: Brazil (4/1), Germany (9/2), Spain (6/1) France (13/2), Argentina (10/1) and Belgium (11/1). It’s hard to argue over England’s place behind those nations, but shouldn’t they be a little closer? Do they deserve to be, for example, nearly double the odds of Argentina, who were battered 6-1 by Spain last month?

On paper, the England squad looks like one of the most dynamic and exciting in years. It contains a couple of players who could claim to be the best in the world in their position: Harry Kane and Kyle Walker. It is littered with players who have the potential to be world class: John Stones, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford. It’s easy to forget that those four are all aged 23 are younger. It also should be noted that Man City and Spurs, two of Europe’s best club sides, will provide around 10 players for the England squad.


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Southgate must address goalkeeper issues before Russia

There are, of course, some flaws in the England team. Goalkeeping is a big issue, with Joe Hart not the player he was a few years ago. There is also a lack of depth in central midfield, with Eric Dier perhaps not the man to anchor a World Cup winning team. In that respect, it might be worth checking out the latest 2018 World Cup free bets and betting offers to cover any losses.

Indeed, many punters will be looking at those 18/1 England odds and see some value. Even if you do not see England as the best in the world, why can’t England emulate the likes of Portugal, a side given even bigger odds to win Euro 2016. Incidentally, if you can fancy Ronaldo and co to do it again in Russia you can get odds of 25/1.

Quarter-final should be the minimum requirement for talented England squad



The point again becomes one of how England football views itself. What would constitute a ‘good’ World Cup for England? A quarter-final? Semi-final? It’s hard to say. However, there is a quiet confidence starting to build around the team and its understated manager Gareth Southgate. They are unbeaten in recent games against Germany and Brazil, the two favourites for the World Cup.

Good performances against Italy and the Netherlands recently also suggested that preparations are going well.
When England head off to Russia there will be less hope than ever before. Past results have made that narrative inevitable. But perhaps the lack of expectation with this England side is misplaced. Not long until we find out.