Star strikers given World Cup boost by Ladbrokes

England may be just a dead rubber with Costa Rica away from coming home with the World Cup blues but there are still plenty reasons to get behind the Three Lions and a host of other nations thanks to Ladbrokes.

The bookmaker has reeled off another round of its famous Price Boost specials to offer enhanced odds on a number of top strikers.

Daniel Sturridge is given the boost treatment to restore some pride for Roy Hodgson’s men while Mario Balotelli, Jackson Martinez and Wilfried Bony are also the beneficiaries of bigger odds.

Here Ladbrokes News looks at why these forwards are well placed to get their games up and running with a bang.

Daniel Sturridge to score first v Costa Rica – was 9/2 NOW 5/1

Daniel Sturridge keeps his place in the starting line-up for England’s last hurrah in Brazil and you can back one of England’s few bright sparks to hand the Three Lions a crucial advantage.

The Liverpool striker has netted five times in 14 appearances for his country with two of those strikes breaking the deadlock.

If England are to salvage any pride against Costa Rica then Sturridge is likely to be one of the key protagonists.

Mario Balotelli to score first v Uruguay – was 5/1 NOW 6/1

Balotelli’s request for a kiss from the Queen fell on deaf ears after Italy’s failure to beat Costa Rica sealed England’s fate.

The Milan ace can get back to business now though and pick up where he left off after heading the Azzurri’s winner over England in game one.

The former Manchester City ace has scored 19 times in 41 club and country outings this term and, with six of those strikes opening the scoring, he’s one to back here.

Jackson Martinez to score first v Japan – was 5/1 NOW 6/1

Martinez has yet to turn his explosive Porto form into World Cup success but the stats suggest that should soon end.

The Porto star has smashed 23 goals in his last 42 games but failed to net in Colombia’s 3-0 win over Greece.

With 10 of his strikes this year opening the scoring though it’s surely only a matter of time.

Wilfried Bony to score first v Greece – was 11/2 NOW 6/1

Bony is just one goal away from hitting double figures for Ivory Coast and after scoring the winner in the 2-1 over Japan has the taste for World Cup goals.

He may have only netted first three times for Swansea this season but with 26 goals from 50 appearances is due anther strike based on his current ratio.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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