The hosts were quoted at between 6/4 and 7/4 at the main high street bookmakers, with France second favourites at between 7/4 and 9/4.

Germany face Italy in Dortmund on Tuesday while France and Portugal clash in Munich on Wednesday in the second semifinal.

Italy were the third favourites at 3/1 to win the tournament outright with England's conquerors Portugal last at between 11/2 and 13/2.

Despite England being knocked out on penalties by Portugal, the fun has not stopped at British betting shops.

Paddy Power is taking bets on the first of the England team's WAGs (wives and girlfriends) to announce their pregnancy after the World Cup final.

Midfielder David Beckham's pop star wife Victoria, already a mother of three, is the 9/4 favourite, followed by striker Wayne Rooney's 20-year-old fiancee Coleen McLoughlin at 10/3.

William Hill are taking bets on the next England manager after Sven-Goran Eriksson's replacement Steve McClaren, with Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce the 6/1 favourite followed by former Charlton manager Alan Curbishley.

Beckham is 7/2 never to play for England again after resigning the captaincy.

And England are 5/2 to lose on a penalty shoot-out in the 2008 European Championships.