England still underdogs for semi final spot despite avoiding Spain

England might have avoided a quarter-final with Spain, but they still go into their last eight tie as underdogs to reach the semi-finals in bwin’s 3Way football betting market.

The Three Lions defied many people’s pre-tournament expectations to not only make it through to the quarter-finals but progress as winners of Group D.

Their reward for topping the group is a match against Italy on Sunday, 24th June at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.

England odds of outright success at Euro 2012 have been cut to 8/1 from 12/1 on the strength of their more favourable draw, while the opposite is true for France.

Had they finished second, they would have faced the defending world and European champions.

However, although they arguably have a better chance against Italy than if they had been paired with Spain in the last eight, Roy Hodgson’s side are still underdogs to make it to the semi-finals.

Italy are 33/20 favourites to win the game in 90 minutes in bwin’s 3Way football betting market, with the draw at 2/1 and an England win at 37/20.

Meanwhile, Italy are available at 17/20 to reach the last four, with England at 91/100.

Nevertheless, England odds of outright success at Euro 2012 have been cut to 8/1 from 12/1 on the strength of their more favourable draw, while the opposite is true for France.

In pole position prior to the final round of Group D fixtures, Les Bleus surrendered top spot to England after losing 2-0 to Sweden and qualified for the last eight as runners-up.

With Spain lying in wait, the odds on France winning Euro 2012 have lengthened to 11/1 from 6/1.

They are also 15/4 outsiders to beat La Roja in 90 minutes, with Vicente del Bosque’s side odds-on at 39/50 to win in normal time.