| Punter places 100,000 on England to win cup |
A patriotic punter has placed 100,000 on England to win the World Cup.
The unnamed man from the West Midlands staked the six-figure sum at odds of 7/2 at a Ladbrokes shop in Birmingham.
He stands to collect 450,000 if the national side beat Brazil on Friday, win the semi-final and go through to clinch the most prestigious prize in football.
Matt Finnigan, of Ladbrokes, said the massive flutter has prompted them to slash England's odds of winning the competition to 3/1 behind Brazil at 9/4.
He said: "You pay your money, you take your chances. He's certainly spiced up his viewing tomorrow."
The man is described as a shrewd punter who has already placed a number of large bets throughout the tournament, some of them in five figures.
Another Ladbrokes customer has staked a 5,000 treble on Venus Williams to win Wimbledon Ladies singles, Lleyton Hewitt to carry off the equivalent men's crown and England to meet Spain in the World Cup final. If successful, he stands to win 360,000.
Meanwhile, William Hill are hoping America win as they are the worst-backed team in the tournament.
Spokesman Graham Sharpe said they would pocket a 1 million-plus profit if the US carry off the title, adding: "One customer bet 100 on them at 300/1 at the start of the tournament.
Ladbrokes is now offering Brazil at 9/4, England at 3/1, Spain at 7/2, Germany at 7/2, Senegal and South Korea at 14/1, Turkey at 20s and USA at 33/1. end
