England stars odds-on to prove ‘passion’ by out-singing Wales

Gareth Bale has put the boot in ahead of England’s game with Wales on Thursday, claiming the Three Lions lack the ‘pride and passion’ of his side, but Roy Hodgson’s men are set to respond to that jibe in the perfect fashion.

The Dragons’ star looks set for a dose of humble pie following the pre-match anthems, with odds of 4/7 quoted for the English players to out-sing their Welsh counterparts (5/4) with a rousing rendition of ‘God Save the Queen’.

Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane are both likely to be belting out the anthem together, with evens for both men to make the starting XI in the battle of the Home Nations.

Despite receiving criticism in the wake of his disappointing display against Russia, the Tottenham hitman still has the faith of his international manager, with 1/7 for the 23-year-old to start against Wales, and 4/6 that Kane starts every game at Euro 2016.

Conversely, Wayne Rooney was the man lapping up the plaudits following an impressive performance against Leonid Slutsky’s men, and the odds suggest it’s almost certain the captain will start against Chris Coleman’s charges.

Meanwhile, teenage sensation Marcus Rashford (5/1) and Daniel Sturridge (13/8) will both be desperate for a starting spot in Lens, and each could prove an inspired bet if Hodgson decides to tinker with his squad in the wake of Saturday’s frustrating outing.

Whoever makes the starting XI, England are the 3/5 favourites for victory, with 11/2 for Wales to triumph.

A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: “Expect a fired-up England to put paid to those jibes about lacking ‘passion’, while Vardy and Kane could be on-song from the first whistle to cause Bale and co. further embarrassment.”

Ladbrokes Latest Odds:

Which team will have more players singing the national anthem on Thursday?

England 4/7

Wales 5/4

England players to start v Wales

Hart 1/50

Dier 1/50

Walker 1/16

Rose 1/16

Cahill 1/16

Smalling 1/16

Aili 1/16

Rooney 1/16

Kane 1/7

Lallana 1/2

Sterling 1/2

Vardy 8/11

Wilshere 1/1

Milner 11/8

Henderson 13/8

Sturridge 13/8

Barkley 9/4

Rashford 5/1

Stones 6/1

Bertrand 9/1

Clyne 9/1

Forster 16/1

Heaton 20/1

Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy specials:

Both Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy to start against Wales – Evens

Harry Kane to start every England match at Euro 2016 – 4/6

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