England still among the favourites for the World Cup despite Nations League flop
Gareth Southgate’s side tipped for another World Cup semi-final appearance, while there aren’t expected to be too many shocks when it comes to the make-up of his squad.
Brazil, who are currently in the midst of a 13-game unbeaten run, are 5/1 favourites with the bookies. Top of the FIFA rankings, they have been drawn against Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon in Qatar.
Wales, who are set to line up against England in Group B are 80/1, with Saudi Arabia and Iran the rank outsiders at 500/1.
🏴🔴 #England boss Gareth Southgate has said that #MUFC trio Rashford, Sancho & Shaw will need great starts to their season if they want to be selected for the World Cup. 🏆
— FIVE (@FIVEUK) June 13, 2022
🗣 “We’ve only got one [MUFC player] with us, they've got a lot to do to get back in the squad.” [MEN] pic.twitter.com/TGJcP4MIPb
FIFA are expected to allow countries to name 26-man squads for the tournament and the bookies don't believe there will be many surprises in Southgate's selections.
Twenty-four players are already odds on to make the plane for Qatar, with Jarrod Bowen (8/11) one of those off the back of a stellar season for West Ham and some impressive cameos for his country.
Marcus Rashford (2/5) and Jadon Sancho (1/3) are also expected to make the cut despite missing out on the Nations League squad.
Southgate has warned the missing United contingent (including Luke Shaw (1/4)) they had "a lot to do" to get into the World Cup squad. However, all three are much shorter odds than Tammy Abraham to get the nod for Qatar, with the Roma striker 11/10 having failed his first audition to become first understudy to Harry Kane.