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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.

England may have failed to win any of their last three games but the bookies haven't lost faith in Gareth Southgate's side.
With the World Cup in Qatar less than six months away, England are priced up as third favourites for the tournament behind Brazil and France.

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.

France, who are set to face Denmark, Tunisia and the winners of the Australia-Peru play-off, are 5/1, with England 11/2.
Spain and Argentina are both available at 8/1, with Germany 11s and Portugal, Netherlands and Belgium grouped together on 12/1. There is then something of a leap to Denmark at 33/1.

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.

And while little has been learned from England's tepid Nations League campaign, the fact that there are only three matches standing between the Three Lions and Qatar means time is running out for players to force their ways into the World Cup reckoning.

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.

READ MORE: Which Premier League club has spent the most money since Jurgen Klopp took over at Liverpool?

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