FOOTBALL fans looking to cash in on the World Cup need to be on the ball and place their bets now, say bookies.

Although England got off to a flying start on Saturday, their odds to win will shorten drastically if the team manages to progress - starting with a win against Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow.

Ladbrokes in Victoria Street, Crewe, has seen a surge in custom in the weeks leading up to the tournament.

Assistant manager Craig Locker said odds will shorten towards the final on July 9.

He said: 'We have had a massive amount of interest in the build up to the tournament.

'And on Saturday one guy came in and placed a £7,000 bet on England winning and carried off £18,000. That was one very happy man.'

The betting shop has offered 'specials' on Peter Crouch to finish as England's leading scorer while Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have remained popular choices for first goal scorers.

Individual team bets are proving a popular choice with punters. Brazil is pulling in most bets to win at 5/2.

Team heroes Ronaldo and Adriano are favourites to be top goal scorers.

Meanwhile Oakfield betting shop, Nantwich Road, Crewe, is offering customers one sure win - a free England flag with each £2 World Cup bet.

Manager Jo Bonniface said: 'Now it's down to which team will win, top goal scorers and the like. While we are all rooting for England, there are of course, better odds to be had.'