LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — (Marketwire) — 12/05/11 — Sky Bet, the online firm, have cut England-s odds for Euro 2012 from 10/1 to 8/1 after drawing France, Sweden and hosts Ukraine in Group D.
England, placed in pot two, faced the possibility of a group containing Spain, Portugal and France – but Capello-s men managed to avoid the former two, with only Les Bleus providing a fruition of the worst-case scenario. Despite drawing the hosts Ukraine and Sweden – who England have beaten just once in the past 43 years – the Three Lions have been cut from 10/1 to 8/1. France, meanwhile, have been pushed out from 11/1 to 12/1, while Ukraine and Sweden are 40/1 and 66/1 respectively.
Their placement in Group D means they-ll play all three group games in Ukraine; two in Donetsk and one in Kiev. Their first game will be against France in Donetsk and then Sweden in Kiev, while Fabio Capello will be hoping qualification is secured by June 19 when they finish in Donetsk against Ukraine. England are 9/1 to win all three group games, while Sky Bet make England 6/4 favourites to top Group D; France are available at 2/1, with Ukraine (7/2) and Sweden (5/1) outsiders.
England are 7/4 to be eliminated at the group stage and 9/4 to be out at the quarter final stage – a distinct possibility, given they would play the winner or runner-up of a tough-looking Group C. They-re 7/2 to be knocked out at the semi final stage, while Sky Bet offer 7/1 for England to lose in the final in Kiev on July 1.
The draw was not as kind to Republic of Ireland after Giovanni Trapattoni-s men were drawn in the aforementioned Group C with holders Spain, Italy and Croatia. The Irish are now 66/1 from 40/1 to win Euro 2012 after the draw, and 4/11 not to qualify from the group; Spain have been slightly lengthened from 5/2 to 13/5, but still retain favouritism. Italy are out to 12/1, while Croatia are 40/1.
Germany are second favourites, but are out to 7/2 after being drawn with Portugal (12/1), Holland (7/1) and Denmark (80/1). Group A contains hosts Poland (66/1), Czech Republic (66/1), Russia (20/1) and Greece (66/1).
Sky Bet-s Dale Tempest said: “It could have been a lot worse for England, but you look at Group A and you think it could have also been a bit better. Ukraine will be tricky as hosts, while England have plenty of history with both France and Sweden. The main thing is that England turn up this time, unlike the World Cup, and win the games they should.
“With Rooney-s absence, England could struggle to score goals, but the England fans will be disappointed if they don-t make the quarter finals. After that, an interesting quartet of Spain, Italy, Croatia or Republic of Ireland would await. After that, you-re looking at potentially Germany or Holland in the semi final, before heading to Kiev to face another top team.
“It will be tough, but it could have been much tougher. I-m afraid it is that tough for Republic of Ireland, however – they love being underdogs, but the quarter finals would be an achievement.”
Sky Bet-s Euro 2012 odds: .
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