The European nations learned their fate for the qualification stage of the 2014 World Cup on Saturday and England are hot favourites to win their group. They were drawn in Group H and Paddy Power make them 2/5 on in the betting to win the group, while the other home nations face a tough task if they are to make it to Brazil in three years time.
The nine group winners will automatically qualify for the World Cup finals, while the eight best second placed teams will play-off against one another in a bid to secure one of the four other places available.
Fabio Capello is unlikely to be in charge of England for the next World Cup as he is due to leave the role after next year's European Championships - assuming England qualify. Whoever the new manager is will fancy his chances of guiding the national team to Brazil, although there looks to be a fair amount of travelling to be done.
England were drawn in Group H alongside Montenegro (12/1 to win the group), Ukraine (4/1), Poland (8/1), Moldova (500/1) and San Marino (1000/1). On paper it looks a relatively easy task, but it is well worth remembering that Montenegro are currently challenging England in their European Championship qualification group after drawing 0-0 at Wembley, while Ukraine inflicted a 1-0 defeat upon England in 2009 during a World Cup qualifier.
Elsewhere, Scotland and Wales were drawn together in Group A and there is likely to be plenty of spice in those fixtures. Wales manager Gary Speed reckons anyone can beat anyone in the group, although PaddyPower.com go 50/1 that Wales win the group. Scotland are priced 14/1, with bitter rivals Croatia (6/4) and Serbia (15/8) heading the betting, while Belgium and Macedonia complete the group.
In Group C, Republic of Ireland look to face a huge challenge as they take on the most successful team from the past six World Cup qualifying campaigns. Germany have lost only two of their last 74 World Cup qualifiers and unsurprisingly they are 2/7 on to win the group. Ireland are priced a tempting 15/2 though, with Sweden looking like their biggest rivals for second place at 9/2 in a group that also contains Austria, Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan.
Northern Ireland also face a tall order as they bid to reach their first World Cup since 1986. They are 33/1 to win Group F as they follow Portugal (4/7), Russia (2/1) and Israel (8/1) in the betting, with Azerbaijan and Luxembourg both huge outsiders.
The most interesting group looks to be Group I as world champions Spain come up against France. The French were in Pot Two for the draw and they can be backed at 9/4 to win the group, although Spain are very much favourites at 1/3 on as they come up against Belarus, Georgia and Finland.
Group A Betting
6/4 Croatia
15/8 Serbia
12/5 Belgium
14/1 Scotland
50/1 Macedonia
50/1 Wales
Group C Betting
2/7 Germany
9/2 Sweden
15/2 Republic of Ireland
25/1 Austria
500/1 Kazakhstan
1000/1 Faroe Islands
Group F Betting
4/7 Portugal
2/1 Russia
8/1 Israel
33/1 Northern Ireland
500/1 Azerbaijan
1000/1 Luxembourg
Group H Betting
2/5 England
4/1 Ukraine
8/1 Poland
12/1 Montenegro
500/1 Moldova
1000/1 San Marino
Group I Betting
1/3 Spain
9/4 France
50/1 Belarus
100/1 Georgia
150/1 Finland
All odds provided by PaddyPower.com, who provide a variety of betting markets for the 2014 World Cup.
Posted: Monday, 1st August 2011
Author: Chris James
Tags: world cup, england, republic of ireland, spain, paddypower,
 | Betting Ranks England Among The Favourites Ahead Of 2014 World Cup Draw England could be drawn in the same qualifying group as France | 29th Jul |
 | RNK Split V Fulham Odds Back A Big Win For Martin Jols Team Fulham odds on to win second leg against Croatian side | 28th Jul |
 | Chelsea V Kitchee Odds Hong Kong Side Tempting Price To Cause An Upset Fernando Torres will try to find form in pre season friendly | 27th Jul |
 | Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round Odds Back Benfica And Trabzonspor To Draw Standard Liege favourites to beat FC Zurich | 27th Jul |
 | Copa America Final Odds Uruguay Favourites To Beat Paraguay Luis Suarez looks tempting in the betting to score first | 22nd Jul |
Headline News
 | Benitez And Martinez Battle For Favouritism In The Next Liverpool Manager Betting Jose Mourinho An Interesting Outside Punt For Anfield Job |
 | Roy Hodgson Announces His England Squad For Euro 2012 Rio Ferdinand Out But John Terry Included In 23 Man Squad |
 | Dante Stakes Odds Bonfire Set To Light Up York In Derby Trial Mandaean And Ernest Hemingway Also Being Backed |
 | Middleton Stakes Odds Izzi Top Likely Favourite In Close Betting Race At York I |
 | Eurovision Song Contest Odds Predict Middle Of The Road Position UKs Middle Of The Road Entry Russian Grannies Still On Top |
BRAND NEW £250 free bets offer.
Open Account - Free £250 Bets With Paddypower
£25 free bet with William Hill.
Open Account - Claim £25 Free With William Hill
Claim a massive £50 free bet with teh leading bookmaker Ladbrokes
Open Account - Free £50 Bet at Ladbrokes
The UK based bookmaker Betfred is now offering a £50 free bet for new clients.
Open Account - Free £50 Bet With Betfred
New £50 free bet offer.
Open Account - Free £50 Bet With Coral
BetVictor is offering £100 in free bets to all new clients.
Open Account - Open Account - Free £100 Bets With BetVictor
Up to £200 worth of free bets with Bet365.
Open Account - Claim £200 Free With Bet365
Those looking for some online casino entertainment ought to check out all the latest UK Casino Sign Up offers from the top operators including 32Red and many of the sports betting casinos.
There is excellent information, should you be interested in playing online blackjack, roulette, the best progressives or slots - Online Casino Betting with the best introductory offers
Bookmark This Page