World Cup Qualifier, Tonight, 8pm, ITV1, bet here

The road to South Africa has been uncannily smooth for a side that couldn’t make it to the Euro 2008 starting line, with spread punters who got with Don Fabio’s side generally happier than those who didn’t.

They gave Croatia double trouble with a 4-1 smash and grab in Zagreb and a good old-fashioned 5-1 hiding at home as spread buyers of Three Lions’ total goals spread were left thinking ‘with games like these, who needs friendlies?’. Sporting Index’s total goals spread buyers who keep the faith for the Belarus game will feel safe in the knowledge England have averaged over three goals-a-game in Group Six. And, if that wasn’t enough for spread sellers to be cautious, then they’ll remember that two from Wayne Rooney and another from fellow Scouser Steven Gerrard helped their side breach the Belarusian goalkeeper’s net three times in Minsk. Despite neither man set to feature tonight, their deputies should be more than capable of filling their shoes. Meanwhile, buyers of England’s win index spread will be hoping for a continuation of the form that’s returned a profit each time at home with Wembley witnessing 4.5 goals-a-game on average along the way.

England’s comfortable 3-1 victory last time out is the only previous meeting to date so many Sporting Index football traders will find the Eastern Europeans unfamiliar opposition. They have, though, victories under their belt against Wales and Scotland.

For more information on the art of spread betting, and to have a punt on tonight’s game, head over to Sporting Index