England’s chances of winning in World Cup betting were hurt on Friday after captain Rio Ferdinand injured his right knee in training. Reports have it that Ferdinand is out of the World Cup and will be replaced on the roster by Michael Dawson. The loss of Ferdinand does affect England in World Cup odds as he was the captain and a key player in the midfield.
World Cup betting odds list England as the 5-1 third choice to win the title behind only Spain and Brazil. The odds probably won’t move much on England since they are such a popular team but there is no question the loss of Ferdinand is a blow to England’s chances. Steven Gerrard is expected to be named captain in Ferdinand’s place. While Dawson replaces Ferdinand on the roster, it is likely that Jamie Carragher, Matthew Upson or Ledley King will take his spot alongside of John Terry.
Ferdinand was hurt for much of the Premier League season and only started 12 matches for Manchester United. While the news on Ferdinand was bad, the news regarding midfielder Gareth Barry was good. He is training for the first time since injuring his ankle a month ago. The loss of Ferdinand definitely hurts England in World Cup betting but it can be overcome. It is not like the loss that Ivory Coast suffered on Friday when they lost top scorer Didier Drogba. England has the depth to replace Ferdinand and there is also no question that Ferdinand is not the player he was a year ago. His injuries have taken their toll. Losing him as the captain does hurt so it will be up to Gerrard to prove he can handle the role. On paper, the loss of Ferdinand is not a disaster as England has actually won about the same number of matches with Ferdinand in the lineup as without him on the pitch.
England opens up with the United States in a key Group C match on Saturday. England is a big favorite in World Cup odds to win that match. The three-way soccer betting line has England at -250, the United States at +630 and the Draw at +300. The total on the match is 2.5 under.