Rooney's Return Makes Bookmakers Nervous

Wayne Rooney's sensational early return from injury has rocked online bookmakers. After the Manchester United hitman arrived on the scene in the second half of England's World Cup group game against Trinidad & Tobago, England came alive and scored twice in the last 7 minutes to secure a route into the knock-out stages.

Despite a poor performance, the return of Rooney coupled with England's qualification, caused online bookmakers to slash their odds on England winning the World Cup. VC Bet now have a best price of 13/2 (7.5), with Bet 365 quickly matching that price. Pre-tournament England were available at 9/1 and 10/1 (10.0 and 11.0) in places.

William Hill had a very generous 33/1 (34.0) on offer for Rooney to play his comeback against Trinidad & Tobago. Graham Sharpe from William Hill said: "Rooney's comeback has cost bookies a six figure sum - but an England World Cup triumph could cost an eight figure one."

Brazil remain's the bookmakers favourite to retain their World Cup title. A disappointing opening performance, that yielded a win, was not enough to make bookmakers too generous for bets on the "samba boys" who are best priced at a little under 3/1 (4.0) to win the tournament outright.

Spain and Argentina have shortened into 7/1 (8.0) in sportsbooks from pre-tournament prices that were into double figures. However, if you fancy a real outsider to spring a surprise, try Ecuador at 100/1 (101.0) who have qualified for the knock-out stages for the first time in their history.

Prices before this weekends games with Bet 365 are:

Brazil - 3/1
Argentina - 5/1
England - 13/2
Germany - 15/2
Spain - 9/1
Italy - 10/1
France - 14/1
Holland - 14/1
Czech Republic - 22/1
Portugal - 25/1
Sweden - 33/1
Mexico - 50/1
Australia - 100/1
Croatia - 100/1
Ecuador - 100/1
Ivory Coast - 100/1
Switzerland - 100/1

Ed note: Get a £100 free bet when you download Bet 365 and make the World Cup pay for you

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