Punters Pile In To Back England To Clear Favouritism For World Cup Bid

Punters pile in to make England World Cup bid favourites as soon as William Hill began trading the World Cup bid market on thursday morning, punters rushed to back England and Hills have cut their odds from 6/5 to even money favourites - the first time England have been favourites since the 'sunday Times' article.

'The feelgood factor has kicked in - just as it does when the World Cup kicks off and we all convince ourselves England can win' said Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe.

To Host 2018 World Cup

• Evens England
• 13/8 Russia
• 4/1 Spain/Portugal
• 40/1 Holland/Belgium