Unbeaten England angling to overcome Euro woe, how far can the Three Lions go?

With World Cup 2018 failure still relatively fresh in the minds of fans, as well as England’s long-held ability to promise much more than finally delivered, punters may pounce on odds of 9/2 for Hodgson to bow out at the group stage for the second time in three major tournaments. Four pool dismissals from eight European Championship attempts illustrates just how early England can crash and burn.

Though, despite the negativity surrounding the British Isles boys’ tendency to balk in the big games, there has also often been large slices of bad luck, with strikes ruled offside and the lottery of spot-kicks frequently featuring in the Three Lions’ torturous tournament exits.

Much depends on the draw, another case of roulette, though upcoming friendly fixtures against France, Germany and Spain should be a much fairer yardstick with which to measure England’s true progress since Brazil.

On the face of it, an exceptional eight clean sheets in qualifying is an excellent indicator that England will be tough to break down, with Hodgson already hinting at employing at counter-attacking approach across the Channel.

This should suit personnel such as Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling, Theo Walcott and co, who are all quick on the break, giving their side a 9/4 shot of at least equalling their previous quarter-final finish, where they have ended on both of their last two Euro tournament appearances.

It was England’s inability to prise open Italy, or match the domination of Andrea Pirlo in midfield, which saw them dumped out of Poland and Ukraine. The Three Lion’s still boast no playmaker of Pirlo’s calibre but, with hitman Harry Kane added to the armory and Walcott on a rampant run, this increased goal threat sees the side priced at 5/1 to reach the semi-finals for the third time.

A centre back collection including the imposing Chris Smalling could prove the difference between the fine margins of defeat but, with penalty shoot-out woe the reason for their past two Euro exits, composure up front could truly be the key.

All-time top England scorer and skipper Wayne Rooney will need to lead from the front then, and odds of 10/1 for England to be runner-up, or 11/1 to be victors say he will. Yet, despite recent record breaking, Rooney’s poor club form suggests the Three Lions will once again fall short of the desired quality to rule the continent.

Betting tip: England at 9/4 for a third quarter-final finish is most tempting