Anyone But England: Scottish Bettors Back Argentina World Cup Win

England remains an unpopular pick with Scottish bettors ahead of their crunch World Cup semi-final against Argentina this evening. According to the latest data supplied by Ladbrokes and Coral owner Entain, 51% of bets staked from Scottish-based accounts have been placed on Argentina in the matchwinner market to progress to the Final.

Clearly, there is no love lost between England and their neighbours north of the border. And the enmity is more fierce than ever.

The McMessi Effect

Coined by Entain as the McMessi effect, Scottish fans have taken to the imperious brilliance of Argentina’s main talisman Lionel Messi. With eight goals and two assists to his name, the love for Messi, who is currently in the frame for the Golden Boot award, is unyielding.

Discussing the most recent betting trends, Entain’s Group Trading Director, Tom Ritzema, said:

“Betting activity ahead of the semi-final shows the sporting rivalry between England and Scotland remains as strong as ever.

“While customers in England are overwhelmingly backing the Three Lions, Scottish support is firmly behind Argentina, with more than half of bets placed by Scottish customers on Lionel Messi’s side. It’s a striking split and one we’ve dubbed the McMessi effect.”

Interestingly, other research carried out shows only 34% of bets staked by Scottish customers have been placed on England to beat Argentina.

From a Home Nations perspective, an England victory has attracted 46% of bets placed by those living in Wales, while internationally, Argentina leads England by 37% to 32%.

England tipped to stumble again

Throughout the World Cup, England have flattered to deceive. Unconvincing displays against Ghana in the group stage and DR Congo in the Round of 32 have seen Tuchel’s side come under fire over their style of play, and they had to mount a comeback to reverse a deficit against Norway in the quarter-finals.

Indeed, England’s opponents have generally attracted more betting interest throughout the tournament. And a study produced by reputable UK bookmaker Betano suggests Argentina are backed by 71% of users to overcome England, and this refers specifically to the ‘To Qualify’ market.

A reunion with a familiar enemy

World Cup contests between Argentina and England over the years have been absorbing and controversial in equal measure. Who could forget Diego Maradona’s contentious ‘Hand of God’ goal in their quarter-final tie in 1986 or David Beckham’s dismissal at the 1998 World Cup, where the Argentines eventually prevailed on penalties?

England and Beckham enjoyed some redemption in 2002 when his first-half penalty separated the two sides in Sapporo. With so many iconic moments between these two nations, the magnitude of this fixture can’t be understated.

Unsurprisingly, 34% of Betano punters have backed Messi in the anytime goalscorer market, while Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are garnering the most interest from an English perspective. Indeed, a total of 28% of wagers have been placed on the former, while 20% have been staked on the latter.

A chance to create history

England are bidding to reach their first World Cup Final since 1966, which they won on home soil. Although they have tripped up in the past few years, Kane and Bellingham have driven the Three Lions to the last four, and they are trying to alleviate the weight of expectation.

With 12 goals between them at this year’s tournament, Kane and Bellingham have been indispensable. Should they get past Argentina, Spain, who swept past France 2-0 in the other semi-final yesterday, will be waiting in the Final.