THE 2022 World Cup in Qatar is less than six months away as Gareth Southgate’s England look to secure their first major trophy since 1966.
And here, SunSport take a closer look at the latest betting odds, tips, predictions and special offers ahead of the winter tournament, which kicks off in November.
When and where?
The opening fixture between Senegal and Holland takes place at the Al Thumama Stadium on Monday, November 21.
There will be four fixtures each day for the first 12 days of the competition — all taking place at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm UK time.
The final Group matches will be played simultaneously at 3pm and 7pm.
It’s the first time that the tournament has been held in the Middle East, and domestic leagues will have to pause to allow it to be played in cooler temperatures.
The last Premier League fixture will be played on November 13, giving England’s players just eight days to prepare for their opener against Iran.
It’s a similar story in Spain, Germany, Italy and France.
The knockout stages begin on Saturday December 3, with the final due to take place at the Lusail Stadium in Doha on December 18.
Who are the favourites?
Five-time winners Brazil are currently favourites at 5/1.
The South American heavyweights haven’t tasted World Cup glory since 2002 but boast a stacked squad that features Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Alisson and Richarlison.
Holders France are well fancied at 11/2 and have the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba at their disposal to become only the third side in history to defend their crown.
England have been inching closer to international success having reach the semi-finals in Russia before losing to Italy on penalties at Euro 2020.
The Three Lions are offered at 13/2, while Spain and Argentina follow closely behind at 8/1 and 9/1 respectively.
2014 champions Germany are available at 10/1, a fraction ahead of Belgium (11/1) who will feel this is their last shot at a World Cup with their golden generation.
Golden Boot winner
England talisman Harry Kane leads the way in the battle for the coveted Golden Boot at odds of 7/1 with Sky Bet.
Kane, 28, won the award at the 2018 World Cup after netting six, and could fill his boots in the group stages against Iran and the USA.
Superstar Kylian Mbappe is next at 8/1 after scoring 39 goals in 46 appearances for PSG this season.
He also boasts 26 goals in 54 games for France, and could do damage against Tunisia and any of Australia/UAE/Peru in Group D.
It’s no surprise to see Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo third in the betting at 12/1.
Ronaldo finished as the top scorer at the European Championship with five goals — that’s despite Portugal’s elimination in the Round of 16.
Real Madrid hotshot Karim Benzema, who keeps getting better, is locked together with Lionel Messi at 14/1.
