ENGLAND v ECUADOR - BOOKIES CHEERING ON ENGLAND

Fed up with seeing England play badly, only to be told after the game that they did well, punters are voting with their wallets and refusing to back the Three Lions to beat Ecuador in their World Cup last 16 clash on Sunday, according to bookmakers William Hill.

Despite the World Cup being set to produce a record betting turnover of £1billion pounds, William Hill say that very little of it is being staked on England to win on Sunday:

"For the first time in living memory England punters are deserting them - and we face a bigger payout on an Ecuador win than an England triumph," said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.

"We have been hoping that this game would produce the biggest betting turnover yet, with up to £20million staked on it industry-wide.

"Instead, England fans seem to be in shock after their side's uninspired Group performances and the loss of key players through injury - where we would expect to see bets of up to £20,000 a time for an England win, the biggest we have yet taken are two of just £1000 each.

"In fact Ecuador have been heavily backed, with one bet of £3000 already taken for them. For the first time ever we could be looking at making a profit if England win a game."

And not only are punters reluctant to back England - for the first time, William Hill have had to open a book on David Beckham being substituted and offer 9/4 that he will suffer that indignity during the Ecuador game.

"We have had an unprecedented number of enquiries for Beckham to be subbed, another indication that punters are unhappy with his contribution so far," added Sharpe.

However, William Hill still fear England winning the World Cup.

"Most of the bets for England to win it were placed before or in the early stages of the tournament and one customer alone has £200,000 on them at 6/1 with a potential payout of £1.4million. If they do go all the way the indstry will face an eight figure payout," revealed Sharpe.

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By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.