Bookmakers' 'Dream Is For England To Lose World Cup Final'

England can be backed at 7/1 to lift the World Cup on July 11th.

Bookmakers across England are expecting the national team to be heavily backed ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off on Friday (June 11th).

This means they face a hefty payout should Fabio Capello's men lift the trophy, but a loss of interest if they crash out early on.

Therefore, the "dream result" would be "England drawing 0-0 in every round, going through on penalties and then getting to the final [and losing]," says Ed Nicholson, spokesman at 888sport.com.

While Mr Nicholson admits that, as a supporter, he hopes the Three Lions triumph in South Africa, he is wary of the "mammoth amount" of cash his firm will be paying out to online betting fans and other gamblers if they do.

England's first match of the tournament is on Saturday against the USA - and they can be backed at 1/2 with 888sport.

Those interested in the odds for Capello's team to win the tournament can take a punt on them at 7/1.