The Harrogate-based bookmaker has installed the rugby union Six Nations (3/1), which takes place in February and March, as the most likely event to yield a first victory for England, although Martin Johnson’s men will need to improve dramatically on their dismal display against Argentina last weekend.
An English driver winning the Formula One Drivers’ Championship is next in the betting, with former and reigning world champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button likely to be partnered at McLaren next season.
It’s 8/1 that England’s first taste of success in 2010 comes at the Open Championship with an English golfer taking the title for the first time since Nick Faldo won it in 1992.
8/1 is also quoted for World Cup glory for England’s football team next summer to be the first cause for celebration in 2010, while it’s 9/1 that England’s cricketers are the first to be toasted by claiming victory in the Twenty20 World Cup next spring.
Bradley Wiggins finished fourth in the Tour de France this year and Sky Bet goes 40/1 that an English winner of La Grande Boucle is the first landmark victory for English sport in 2010.
Rather depressingly, Sky Bet makes it 2/1 favourite that an English winner is not crowned in any of the seven events listed in 2010.
Sky Bet’s sports betting spokesman Dale Tempest said: “It wasn’t a great weekend for English sport but we do have some top class teams and sportsmen so let’s hope we can bag a major prize in 2010!”
Sky Bet Odds: What will England win first in 2010?
Six Nations Championship 3/1
English driver win Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship 10/3
English golfer win the Open 8/1
FIFA World Cup 8/1
Twenty20 World Cup 9/1
Rugby League Four Nations 25/1
English cyclist win the Tour de France 40/1
None of the events listed above 2/1
Note: Only these events count.