John Stones has been cut from 13/8 to 5/4 to start England's first World Cup game against Croatia having been handed the number 5 shirt by Thomas Tuchel.
While the decision to hand the number 10 shirt to Jude Bellingham may have given an indication to where one of the more hotly contested positions will go, Stones wearing the number 5 suggests Tuchel's looking to the former Manchester City man for the heart of his defence.
Ezri Konsa is thought to be in line for a starting berth at right-back with question marks around Reece James's fitness heading into the World Cup, and has been handed the number 2 shirt, with Nico O'Reilly -- wearing number 3 -- expected to start at left-back.
Marc Guehi's place at centre-back is secure, and Stones looks even more likely to start alongside his former club team mate against Croatia.
John Stones Odds to start against Croatia
Odds will display when market is available.
bet365's Steve Freeth said: "We’ve seen two market moves since the England shirt numbers were revealed. We’ve always tried to keep John Stones short, but the 13/8 was eagerly snapped up on Tuesday, and he is now into 5/4.
"The most money we’ve seen has been for Jude Bellingham (6/5 into 4/6), who has landed the No.10 shirt. Many punters believe this is a clear indication that the Real Madrid man will get the nod over Morgan Rogers — we hope not!"
Odds displayed in the above article were correct at time of publishing and are subject to change or withdrawal at any time.
