Rio blow lengthens England odds

Such is captain Ferdinand’s importance at the heart of the Three Lions' defence that the bookie was firm in their belief it was a damaging blow to Fabio Capello’s hopes of World Cup glory.

Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: “Rio Ferdinand’s exit from the World Cup is a big blow to England’s World Cup hopes and that has to be reflected in the longer odds available on a Three Lions victory. So it’s now 15/2 that we see Steven Gerrard lifting the trophy for England on July 12.”

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Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.