Welbeck 4-6 for forward berth against France

ENGLAND are two wins from two under Roy Hodgson after Danny Welbeck's first-half goal sealed a 1-0 success over Belgium on Saturday but, as they left the field to an appreciative reception they were still available at 16-1 to win Euro 2012.

Ladbrokes said they planned to hold that price until at least 10pm on Saturday, and it will be interesting to see how long it lasts - bet365 were next best at 14-1.

Hodgson's first task has been to find a way of winning games without Wayne Rooney and he will have been delighted by Welbeck's 53-minute contribution.

The Manchester United forward struck the opening goal in the 36th minute, latching on to a perfectly weighted through-ball from Ashley Young before chipping expertly over the onrushing Simon Mignolet.

And his goal has given Hodgson a nice selection issue to ponder in the build-up to the Group D opener with France next Monday.

Andy Carroll has already staked his claim for a striker's berth with an impressive performance in last month's 1-0 victory away to Norway and had been thought of as the likelier choice to deputise for Rooney in the opening two games.

But after Saturday's action, bet365 slashed their price on Welbeck to start against Les Bleus from 13-8 to 4-6 - they now go 11-10 that he
misses out. Hills also go 4-6 about a Welbeck start in Donetsk.

Aside from Welbeck's goal, there was nothing spectacular about England's performance although they defended with intelligence and restricted a slick Belgian side to very few clear-cut chances.

Hodgson's England seem quite happy to prioritise results over performances but the day of reckoning may be on the horizon with bookmakers pricing France as 13-8 favourites to triumph in Donetsk, while England are 11-5.

The FA confirmed last night that England defender Gary Cahill had had a precautionary X-ray on his jaw.

Cahill came off in the first half of the friendly win against Belgium at Wembley after a collision with England goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Hills make the Three Lions 10-1 shots not to concede a goal in the group stages.

Denmark will be feeling happier about their chances at Euro 2012 after winning 2-0 at home to Australia.

A first-half penalty from Daniel Agger and a second-half goal from Andreas Bjelland settled the issue in favour of the Danes, who are 100-1 to be crowned European champions for a second time.