Michael Owen tips England to progress at World Cup

The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United striker, who is the fourth highest England goalscorer of all-time, does not share the view of those who think the country will crash out at the first hurdle for the first time since 1950.

England are a massive 33-1 with bookmaker BetVictor to triumph in the World Cup, which kicks off in Brazil on Thursday, June 12. The firm is offering odds of 4-1 for England to reach the last eight.

Owen, who scored 40 times for his country, including a stunning solo effort against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup, aged just 18, said:

“While it would not be the biggest surprise in the world to see England eliminated in the Group stages I think they will make it through to the last eight but that is where I see their Brazilian adventure coming to a halt. Italy’s 1-1 midweek draw with Luxembourg and Uruguay’s recent 1-0 win over Northern Ireland suggests neither of their main rivals begins the tournament in the best of health.”

Owen who is a brand ambassador for BetVictor: “I can see the Three Lions making it out of the group, winning their last 16 tie but falling at the quarter-final hurdle.”

These odds and more are available at BetVictor.com.