The Tipster: Issue 222

Sure thing – Pakistan to beat England in the ODIs and the T20 series

The recent test series in Dubai was an unmitigated disaster for England. However, it was a triumph for Pakistan, number five in the world test rankings. A lot has been made about the neutral venue with low attendances and unfamiliar conditions, the latter which would have probably favoured Misbah-ul-Haq’s team. But at the end of the day, the game is played in the same conditions by both sides and putting it simply, Pakistan (especially their bowlers Saeed Ajmal and Umar Gul) were too good. As a team, they played with a strength and unity that has been sorely lacking in their ranks for years since the death of Bob Woolmer. The momentum is firmly with them and they will simply have too much for an England side in terrible form, especially with the likes of Shahid Afridi in their ranks.

Tipster’s odds: 4/6

Long shot – England to win the 2012 Six Nations tournament

Last year England  won the tournament, albeit in unconvincing fashion, and the hope was there that in 2012 we could go one further and win the Grand Slam off the back of a promising World Cup performance. Oh how wrong those hopes were. The dismal showing in New Zealand combined with the departure of Martin Johnson and the overall public perception of English rugby going down the pan have all translated into where we currently stand; with interim coach Stuart Lancaster and a squad full of uncapped players. Promisingly, they avoided a potential banana skin in the opening game against Scotland, winning at Murrayfield for the first time in eight years before defeating Italy at the weekend. However, World Cup finalists France, semi-finalists Wales and even Ireland all look better placed as England continue to recover from a torrid year.

Tipster’s odds: 9/2

Absolute madness – David Beckham to be the next England manager

One has to remember that one of the most famous A-list celebrities of the last 15 years is also a footballer. A footballer who has made 115 appearances for England, making him the second most capped player after Peter Shilton  ever to play for the national team. Now in the swansong of his playing career, he may be looking at getting into coaching, and where better to start his managerial career than as England manager?! Who needs the weather-beaten, tired ‘Arry Redknapp when you could have the Hollywood glamour and pizazz that would surely lead us to our first trophy since ’66? Let’s be honest though, this is not really a goer. Indeed, the fact there is even a bona fide betting odd against his name is surprising. They could go for a young manager, but let’s be honest, Becks doesn’t really come across as someone who would be an inspiring coach or a master tactician. However, if he does become a manager and defies the odds to do well in club football, then who knows in a few years time?

Tipster’s odds: 100/1