Is there money to be made betting on England this summer?

There has always been a somewhat unhealthy tendency to overestimate England’s chances at an international football event. This phenomenon started after the Three Lions beat West Germany during the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley to claim the Jules Rimet Trophy and lasted for approximately fifty years after that. 

Sadly, it was in 2016 after Iceland beat Roy Hodgson’s men at the Euros that even the most ardent supporter had to confront the truth. Indeed, with crusty St George’s face paint still on, fans rolled up the flag hanging out of their window and sat on the edge of their beds, shell-shocked but all too aware like the rest of the world that England were, in actual fact, overrated and awful.

England have been drawn in the same #NationsLeague group as Iceland. Their only previous competitive fixture was at Euro 2016…#ThisIsFootball pic.twitter.com/GZsb4xuCOe

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) March 3, 2020

But it didn’t take long for that unwavering national pride to return after England made it to the semis of the 2018 World Cup. The sensational change in fortunes didn’t stop there, though, as England have been so convincing ever since that that anyone betting on Euro 2021 will see that they are the favourites.

What’s more, the latest Euro 2021 betting tips and news from the experts concede that Gareth Southgate’s men are the team expected to win the tournament. Needless to say, tails are up in England and the usual football is coming home mantra has once again been adopted. So, is there any real reason to back the Three Lions at 5/1? As a matter of fact, there is every reason.

The England football team of 2021 you see, is brilliant. That really can’t be stressed in strong enough terms but that will soon come to light once we’ve broken it down. Led by the world’s best striker, the Three Lions won’t be short of goals and Harry Kane won’t wilt on the biggest stage either having impressively won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup. 

As for the service into Kane, well, Gareth Southgate is perhaps the most spoilt manager at the tournament given that he can choose between Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Mason Mount, Buyako Saka, James Maddison and Jack Grealish. It’s impossible to remember a time when England had such fluidity in the midfield. Additionally, all of these players are under the age of 27 and blessed with frightening athletic ability.

Phil Foden is 20 years of age. That’s the news.pic.twitter.com/o16Eu0CqN9

— Goal (@goal) November 21, 2020

A quick word on Jack Grealish before we address the defence; if you think he gets kicked a lot playing for Aston Villa, wait until he puts an England top on and moseys past frustrated opponents during a hot European summer. One thing’s for sure, England are set to win an unprecedented amount of free-kicks in the final third. 

Those whipped in dead-balls from the boots of supremely talented fullbacks like Trent Alexander-Arnold or Ben Chilwell are likely to fall on the heads of central defenders Harry Maguire and John Stones.

The second-half starts with a bang! 🙌

John Stones arriving to guide the ball home from Joao Cancelo’s free-kick and give City the lead. pic.twitter.com/j5AGeJU6db

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 13, 2021

Stones is in such prolific form that he has scored more goals than Marcus Rashord has since the beginning of 2021. The 26-year-old’s form has defined City’s season and propelled them towards the title. Indeed, he and Harry Maguire have come of age and look ready for the tasks that lie ahead in the summer. 

In reality, this English team are at the peak of their powers, and at 5/1, look an absolute bargain.