Southampton man has four goals in his last four games
Bookmakers have reacted to Charlie Austin’s recent purple patch by trimming the 28-year-old’s odds to make England’s World Cup squad. As big as 33/1 just a few weeks ago, his goals against Everton, Bournemouth and Arsenal have seen those odds cut to as short as 10/1 with one bookmaker.
The former QPR and Swindon striker is the fifth highest English scorer in the Premier League with five goals. Those ahead of him include Harry Kane (1/16 to make the squad), Raheem Sterling (1/10), Wayne Rooney (12/1) and Jamie Vardy (5/11). However, of those on the list, none have a better minutes-per-goal record than the Saints man who averages a goal every 80 minutes in the Premier League.
Of those to have scored fewer goals than Austin, Swansea’s Tammy Abraham is priced up as a 6/1 shot after making his England debut in the recent friendly with Germany but is one goal behind Austin in the scoring charts. It’s a similar story with Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck who despite only scoring three goals in the League this season is rated as a 6/4 chance to make Gareth Southgate’s final squad.
Others shorter in the market but with fewer goals to their name are Marcus Rashford (1/9), Daniel Sturridge (4/1) and Andy Carroll (8/1).
Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson: “Austin netted 10 times in just 14 starts in the 15/16 season, nine goals in 14 starts in 16/17 and so far has four goals from just four starts this season. If he can maintain his goal-per-game ratio, starting with the visit of ex-Saints boss Claude Puel’s Leicester, the 28-year-old could well be on the plane to the Russia.”