Football Euro 2000: pounds 5m in bets - but few back Scots

AROUND pounds 5M could be riding on the outcome of the Euro 2000 play- off between England and Scotland.

Betting turnover on the clash could exceed that of the Euro 2000 final itself, the bookmakers, William Hill, predict.

But Hills are baffled by the lack of financial support for Scotland to win - nine out of every 10 bets they are taking are for an England win.

Graham Sharpe, a spokesman for William Hill, said: "We've had bets of pounds 60,000, pounds 10,000 twice and numerous other four-figure wagers - but we have yet to take a single bet of pounds 50 or more for Scotland either to win the first game or to qualify for the finals. Two of the biggest bets on England were struck in Scottish betting shops."

Hills make England 5-4 favourites, Scotland are 15-8 and the draw 2-1.