2022 World Cup Odds: Where do England rank in the betting?

It’s only 16 months, 71 weeks, and 495 days until the 2022 World Cup kicks-off in Qatar next winter.

Gareth Southgate has signalled his intent to lead The Three Lions through the qualification process and into next year’s showstopper, which will be held between November and December 2022.

“To lead your country in these tournaments takes its toll,” Southgate said in his press conference.

“I don't want to commit to anything longer than I should. It's not a financial thing. As I sit here today, I would want to be taking the team to Qatar.”

The pain and emotion of losing a penalty shoot-out at Wembley in the Euro 2020 Final will still be raw for Southgate, his coaching staff, and the players.

Yet, despite the agony and heartbreak of coming within touching distance of glory, England can look back on another fantastic tournament under Southgate.

Since replacing Sam Allardyce in difficult circumstances back in 2016, Southgate has taken England to a World Cup semi-final, third at the inaugural Nations League, then runners-up at Euro 2020. That’s a pretty impressive record.

He’s put together a young, talented, and hungry side who haven’t even reached their peak yet. Lessons will be learned from this summer. England undoubtedly have the quality in forward areas, so the next task will be to adopt a more positive, creative, and attack-minded approach for sustained periods against the best teams in the biggest games.

Southgate has all the ingredients available to him to go on and win the World Cup next winter, but what are the bookmakers saying following the conclusion of both the European Championships and the Copa America?

Holders France (Didier Deschamps) and five-time winners Brazil (Tite) are the early favourites to lift the famous golden trophy, with both countries available at 6/1 in the betting.

Les Bleus fluffed their lines at Euro 2020, falling in the last-16, however their squad is simply sensational and they’ll use the disappointment of this summer to fuel their charge next year as they bid to become the first country to successfully defend the trophy since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Last five World Cup winning managers

2018 - Didier Deschamps (France)

2014 - Joachim Low (Germany)

2010 - Vicente del Bosque (Spain)

2006 - Marcello Lippi (Italy)

2002 - Luiz Felippe Scolari (Brazil)

Speaking of Brazil, they may currently be coming to terms with a heartbreaking defeat to rivals Argentina in the Copa America Final, but the Seleção have been very impressive since boss Tite took over in 2016; he’s won 45 and lost just five of his 61 games so far (73.77% win rate).

Now onto Southgate's England, who are third favourites at 9/1. To think that when the World Cup gets underway on 21st November 2020 Jude Bellingham will only be 19, Bukayo Saka 21, and Jadon Sancho 22. Who knows, maybe yet another immensely talented youngster could storm into contention over the course of the next 16 months. 

Next in the frame are Roberto Mancini’s Italy at 10/1. The Azzurri’s three-year transformation from World Cup failures to European champs has been remarkable. They are currently unbeaten in 34 games and will look to carry their momentum and form through to next winter.

Luis Enrique’s Spain, also 10/1, reached the semi-finals this summer and will only grow in confidence over the next 16 months.

Lionel Scaloni’s Copa America victors Argentina can be backed at 12/1 to get their hands on the trophy for the first time since 1986, the same price as Roberto Martinez’s Belgium (who have never won a major tournament), and Germany who are now managed by Hansi Flick following Joachim Low’s titanic 15-year tenure.

You can then find Fernando Santos’ hugely talented Portugal at 16/1.

Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark, managed by the inspirational Kasper Hjulmand, are out at 66/1 alongside the South American duo of Uruguay and Columbia who are currently managed by Óscar Tabárez and Reinaldo Rueda respectively.

Home nations Wales (250/1), Scotland (1000/1), and Northern Ireland (1000/1) are all massive outsiders, whereas the Republic of Ireland can be backed at 500/1.