Draw in US Presidential election considered more likely than Italy beating England

Not once in 26 previous meetings have England lost to Italy.

In fact, according to our preview of Saturday’s Six Nations clash in Rome, seven years have passed since England last won against Italy by fewer than 20 points.

Related: Six Nations Italy v England preview

England are overwhelming favourites for this match but 888 is offering enhanced odds to Rugby World readers. Rather than betting on England at 1-100, 888 has odds of 6-1 on Eddie Jones’s team winning and 150-1 on Italy achieving a famous victory if you use the code 888ODDS. The maximum bet is £5 and winnings are paid as free bets.

New customers only • Max Bet £5 • £10 deposit using promo code • Free bets are granted within 72 hours and expires after 7 days • Free bet stakes not included in returns • Deposit balance is available for withdrawal at any time. Withdrawal restrictions & Full T&C’s apply  

Over-18s only. BeGambleAware.

Which got us wondering… With whopping odds like those, what would be considered more likely than Italy beating England?

Sticking with 888, they have these two long-shots priced as more likely:

• Harry Maguire to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year at 100/1
• Miami Dolphins to win the Super Bowl 100/1

That’s right, according to 888, at 100/1, Manchester United captain Maguire – he of the eventful holiday in Greece – is more likely to win SPOTY than Italy beat England. Just as wild, the lowly Miami Dolphins seem more likely to take the top prize in American Football.

If you fancy this, you can use this welcome bonus with 888: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets + a £10 Rugby Bet.

New Customers only – £10 minimum deposit using promo code “Rugby” – First bet must be placed on any market – Minimum stake £10 at odds of 1/2 (1.5) – Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days – Free bet stakes not included in returns – Deposit balance is available for withdrawal at any time. General deposit method & withdrawal restrictions apply & Full T&C’s apply

Hail to the chief: a rugby fan in a Trump mask (Inpho)

Over at Betfred, there are some fun bets deemed more likely to come off.

• Trump & Biden To Tie 269-269 In 2020 US Presidential Election at 66/1
• Comedian Rufus Hound to win Dancing on Ice 2021 at 50/1
• Borussia Monchengladbach to win the Champions League at 100/1

That’s right, in the throes of an American election campaign, Betfred think it’s more like that Donald Trump and Joe Biden tie, than for the Azzurri to finally topple the England rugby team.

Sticking with the novelty end, comedian Rufus Hound is considered the worst candidate to win Dancing on Ice 2021, but still has shorter odds than Italy. And then there’s the footballing underdogs of Borussia Monchengladbach, outside bets for winning the Champions League… Real outsiders.

Sign up for Betfred’s welcome bonus and you can bet £10, get £30 in free bets + 60 free spins.

New UK & NI customers only. Code ‘SPORTS60’. Place first sports bet of £10+ in one bet transaction, at odds of Evens +. settled within 60 days. First bet on Sports. £30 in Free Bets credited within 48 hours of settlement. Max 60 Free Spins on Justice League Comics.Full T&Cs apply.

Sticking with politics, Bet 365 have this for us.

• Andy Burnham to be next Prime Minister of the UK at 50/1

That’s right – the bookmaker sees Manchester mayor Andy Burnham becoming the next Prime Minister after Boris Johnson, more likely than Italy beating England.

Use Bet 365’s welcome bonus and you will get Up to £100 in Bet Credits.

Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply

And finally, Betfair have a rugby one for us…

• Japan to beat the British & Irish Lions at Murrayfield at 13/5

Fancy a flutter on the Brave Blossoms defeating the world’s most famous invitational side, in Edinburgh? Those odds look much closer than Italy’s don’t they…

Use the Betfair welcome bonus and you can get up to £100 in free bets.

New customer offer. Place 5 x £10 or more bets to receive £20 in free bets. Repeat up to 5 times to receive maximum £100 bonus. Min odds 1/2 (1.5). Exchange bets excluded. Payment restrictions apply. T&Cs apply.

Over-18s only. BeGambleAware.

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