Sports Betting: Defoe Set For Starting Role?

England striker's bid for a place in Fabio Capello's starting line-up creates new sports betting markets.

As the build-up to England's World Cup qualifier against Croatia on Wednesday night (September 9th) continues, the form of Jermain Defoe is proving to be the main talking point.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker came on as a second-half substitute to score in England's 2-1 win over Slovenia on Saturday, meaning he has now netted five goals in his last three games for the international side.

Speculation over whether England boss Fabio Capello will reward Defoe with a place in his first eleven against Croatia is attracting interest in the sports betting markets, with William Hill offering 4/1 on the 26-year-old starting the game and scoring.

Commenting on the dilemma facing the manager, who usually selects Emile Heskey to partner Wayne Rooney in attack, William Hill spokesperson Graham Sharpe said: "Capello has to decide whether he wants a hold-up man who rarely scores or an on-fire goalscorer playing alongside Rooney."

Meanwhile, Paddy Power is offering 8/1 on Croatia's Eduardo scoring the first goal at Wembley on Wednesday, while Defoe is a 9/2 bet in the same market.