England Drift as Rooney Injury Hit World Cup Betting

March 31, 2010 By Carl Harris

Wayne Rooney left the Allianz Arena on crutches and faces an anxious wait over an ankle injury that could have dire consequences for Manchester United and England.

Rooney left the stadium in Munich with a protective boot over his left ankle, using the crutches for added support, following a challenge with Mario Gomez in United’s 2-1 Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat to Bayern Munich.

But it is also claimed Rooney hurt his right foot in the same incident, although there appeared to be no strapping or support on that foot as he left the stadium.

WILLIAM HILL have lengthened England’s World Cup odds from 5/1 to 6/1 in anticipation of Wayne Rooney’s in jury affecting his chances of playing in the finals. ‘If there is the slightest chance of Rooney being absent it definitely affects England’s chances in the minds of punters’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

And Hills have cut Chelsea’s odds of winning at Old Trafford this weekend from 21/10 to 7/4, lengthening United from 7/5 to 13/8, with the draw offered at 21/10. ‘Almost as soon as Rooney went off punters poured in to back Chelsea to win at the weekend’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Despite losing to Bayern, Man U are 8/11 favourites to go through with Hills who offer Bayern at Evens.

WILLIAM HILL: TO WIN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE; 7/4 Barcelona; 7/2 Inter; Man U; 9 Arsenal; 10 Bayern M; Lyon; 25 Bordeaux; 33 CSKA.

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