Betting: England's World Cup odds cut despite Belgium defeat

England's final group game with Belgium lacked the excitement and buzz of the previous two matches the nations had contested at the 2018 World Cup.

Neither side seemed too motivated to go out and win the game with both managers making a raft of changes with qualification already assured.

Adnan Januzaj's superb individual effort was the difference between the teams and meant that England dropped into second spot in the group.

Getty Images

bet365's latest odds suggest that while that defeat might not have been the result Southgate wanted on the evening, it has actually increased the Three Lions' chances of winning the World Cup.

Colombia come next in the last 16 with a potential quarter-final against either Switzerland or Sweden should Southgate's side progress past the South Americans on Tuesday evening.

England are now 15/2 (8.50) with bet365 to repeat their 1966 success by coming out on top in Russia and their second-place finish could end up being a blessing in disguise, according to the odds compilers.

The online bookmaker go 13/10 (2.30) that England make the semi-finals of the competition. Had they finished top of the group, that price would have been significantly bigger with Brazil potentially lying in wait had they beaten Japan in the last 16.

Getty

bet365’s Steve Freeth said: “Everybody has an opinion on the England result, but the crux of the matter from a betting point of view is that we’d have been 2/1 instead of 13/10 to reach the last four had they topped the group.”

The game against Colombia looks a trickier task than Japan, of course, but the firm still believe England are well placed to progress. Their latest prices have the Three Lions as 11/10 (2.10) favourites to win the match in normal time and 1/2 (1.50) to qualify.

The firm's Penalty Payback offer will run until the final on July 15. Back any team to win the tournament and get a refund if your selection is eliminated on penalties. Full terms and conditions can be found here.

Get the latest World Cup odds with bet365