Argentina have been mocked with a cheeky 'helping hand' stunt outside their London embassy as England fans back Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions with huge bets ahead of the World Cup semi-final tonight. Betfair reports that more than £5 million has been wagered on England on the Betfair Exchange, with the team heading into the clash as second favourites to win the trophy.
Betting odds and predictions
Betfair Predicts gives England a 24% chance of ending 60 years of hurt, behind runaway favourites Spain (57%) but ahead of Argentina (19%). In a sign of how tight the match is expected to be, England are rated at 54% to qualify for the final, with Argentina at 46%. In the 90-minute markets, it is virtually a coin flip: England 35%, Draw 34%, Argentina 32%. There is also a 21% chance the match goes to penalties and a 20% chance of a red card, according to Betfair Predicts.
Stunt outside embassy
Betfair ramped up the rivalry by parking a billboard outside the Argentinian Embassy in London which read: 'Maybe England will get the helping hand this time.' The stunt references controversial VAR decisions that have gone in Argentina's favour during the tournament.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: 'The Three Lions are one step away from reaching their first World Cup final in 60 years, and the nation is completely behind them. Punters have backed Thomas Tuchel's side to end all those years of hurt to the tune of more than £5m on the Betfair Exchange. There's currently a 24% chance of football coming home.'
Historical context
Rosbottom added: 'While back in 2018, when they were last at this stage of the competition, going up against Croatia, England had a 27% chance of winning the trophy. So, they're not far off their best chance of winning it despite now coming up against Argentina, who have one of the greatest players of all time in the team and have had a fair few decisions go their way so far this World Cup.'
'This is a fixture that has a history of controversy. I don't need to list them out, but most of those controversial moments have gone against England. So, we thought we'd remind them of that outside their embassy in London. Hopefully, we won't be talking about another dodgy decision tonight, but there is a 20% chance we'll see another red card between the two sides this evening.'
Shearer's prediction
Former England skipper Alan Shearer is backing a thriller but shares the VAR fear. He said: 'England can definitely make the final without a doubt. It's because I do think Argentina concede goals and we will score. So I'm going to go for an amazing game with England 3-2 to win. Bellingham and Kane to get our goals. They are our big hitters.'
'I'm slightly concerned that a refereeing decision or VAR could cost us against Argentina… I have been amazed at some of the decisions that Argentina have had… It is a bit of a concern, when playing them.'
