ENGLAND STRUGGLE FOR FORM

England may already be starting at the barrel when it comes to qualification to the Euro 2016 knockout stages, but bookmakers feel that this is not the time to panic.

Their odds continue to place England as one of the favourites to reach the latter stages of the competition. It may not come as a surprise given that England can get back in the top position of group B with a win over Wales on June 16. This game between the two home nations is regarded as a must win especially for England, but it is not the case for Wales.

England could only manage a solitary point from the opening game against Russia whereas Wales took all three from the match against Slovakia. This places them as the leader of group B going into the last two group matches. Bet Victor places England at even odds to qualify from the group, but Wales have closed the gap following their opening day victory.

Apart from being favourites to qualify from the group, England have been placed as favourites to get a win against Wales in a few days. Gareth Bale showed that he is a player to be treated with respect after opening the scoring against Slovakia. He is 19/2 to open the scoring against England.

Eric Dier may not have been the first choice to be England’s top scorer at the Euro 2016. This was reflected by his odds, which were in the 50s. However, he scored the only goal for England against Russia and it has seen the odds reduced to 8s. If he manages to score again and England failing to win against Wales, the odds could be reduced even further. France continue to remain as the tournament favourites while Germany and Spain are closely keeping tabs with Didier Deschamps’ team.