England's World Cup odds improve despite Belgium defeat

Belgium finished top of Group G after a 1-0 victory at Kaliningrad but a second-place finish could prove to be a blessing in disguise for England who are on the relatively easier side of the draw in the knockout stages.

(Reuters)

Paddy Power boosted England to 7/1 favourites to lift the trophy for the first time since 1966 after the game, compared to the pre-match odds of 15/2.

"England are very unEngland this tournament – even when they're losing they're winning under Gareth Southgate," a Paddy Power spokesperson said in a statement.

"So, yes, the odds have actually improved after that loss

... but beating Colombia is hardly a foregone conclusion".

The result meant England would face a tricky Colombia side in the last 16 on Tuesday and a victory would ensure a less perilous quarter-final game against either Sweden or Switzerland.

Belgium take on Japan on Monday in the first knockout round but a win could pitch them against five-time winners Brazil, who face Mexico in the last 16.

One among Spain, Russia, Croatia and Denmark will await Gareth Southgate's team if they progress to the semi-finals for the first time since 1990.

(Reporting By Arnab Paul in Bengaluru; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)