ROY HODGSON would be willing to stake money on England winning the World Cup.

England fans across the country will be crossing their fingers today when the World Cup draw takes place in the Brazilian city of Salvador.

Due to a change in the format, England could be pitted into a ‘group of death’ containing Brazil, Italy and the United States.

Should lady luck favour England, manager Hodgson might be handed a more accommodating pool featuring Switzerland, Honduras and Algeria.

There are many who think England stand no chance of going all the way regardless of the calibre of their opponents.

But Hodgson is not one of them.

FIFA rules dictate that Hodgson, unlike a large number of the English population, cannot put a wager on next summer’s tournament.

But if he could, he would place his money on the Three Lions.

“I’d put it on England,”

Hodgson said when asked where he would place a £10 bet if he could. “I’d have a chance of losing it on Brazil so why not put it on the team I want to win it?

“We all know the result everybody wants and that’s to repeat 1966. We all know that’s not going to be easy but it’s great to be there trying to do it.

“We’ll try and win every game whether we’re in a tough group or a so-called easy group,” Hodgson said.

“We won’t regard any group as easy. We’ll respect all of our opponents.

“We won’t fear anybody and in the same way we will respect everybody. I think the players will be desperate to do well and go as far in the tournament as they possibly can.”