England fans: Who should you support now in the Rugby World Cup?

England may have crashed out of their own tournament in miserable fashion against Australia last weekend, but after three days of mourning, it’s time for Red Rose fans to stand up and choose a new Home Nation to cheer on.

But who is worth supporting, and of equal if not more importance, who is worth backing?

Here are a few reasons for and against each Home Nation to help you out…

Wales – For

Now listen up England fans, Wales may have been part of the problem with their 28-25 victory at Twickenham, but there’s some logic to backing the Dragons now.

Should Warren Gatland’s team lift the Webb Ellis Cup on October 31, then at least England supporters can say they lost to the champions/best team in the world etc etc. That old placebo.

Also no matter how many injuries they get, Wales just keep on going, and if – at a reasonable 12/1 outright – they were to win the tournament, it would mean Australia didn’t. And that’s always good, right?

Wales – Against

Gareth Davies’ try 71 minutes in was the beginning of the end for England. We know it’s going to take English fans a little more time for the wounds to heal.

Ireland – For

Everyone’s a little bit Irish, aren’t they? The Emerald Isle have been efficient and professional thus far and have already bagged a spot in the last eight.

Should they beat France in their final Pool game, the Irish should be looking at a semi-final place, at least with a very winnable quarter-final tie in the offing.

Back them at 8/1 and you should be in the mix for a few weeks yet.

Also, if Ireland were to win the World Cup later this month – for the first time – could you imagine the parties afterwards?

Ireland – Against

If they don’t beat France they’ll play New Zealand in the quarter-finals. So, yeah, your new team might not last much longer.

Scotland – For

Like Ireland, Scotland have gone about their business in Pool B rather nicely and at 66/1, will have plenty of support from those afraid to miss out in case they actually pull it off later this month.

They should reach the knockout stage where a fixture against the winners of Australia v Wales looms.

Surely England fans would enjoy the sight of the Scots sending Australia home?

The knowledgeable rugby mate in your group also probably said keep an eye on Scotland before the tournament began, so there’s that bandwagon to jump on over the next week or so.

Scotland – Against

Should they reach the last eight – and maybe even further – you’ll have a whole four years of your Scottish pal reminding you about it every day.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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