England v France Betting Tips [10 December 2022]

England and France face off in the quarter final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament so far. The French, current holders of the trophy after their triumph in Russia 2018, eased past Poland 3-1 in the round of 16 thanks to a brilliant Kylian Mbappe brace as well as Olivier Giroud’s record-breaking 52nd goal for his country. However, a late consolation goal scored by Robert Lewandowski from the penalty spot means that the French have yet to keep a clean sheet in this iteration of the tournament. This marks Les Bleus third consecutive appearance at the quarter final stage of the World Cup and they will be looking to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to successfully defend their title. 

Standing in their way is an England team seeking to finally get over the hump after a fourth-place finish in the World Cup in 2018 and a runners-up finish in the 2020 European Championship. The Three-Lions were able to survive a nervy first 20 minutes of their round of 16 matchup against Senegal to strike twice right before the break and ultimately prevail 3-0. England are yet to lose at this competition and boast the joint-highest goal scoring mark with 12 strikes in their four matches. However, there is a sense that Gareth Southgate’s men have yet to be truly tested which should lead to a fascinating matchup against the defending champions. This is England’s fourth appearance in the quarter final in their last six World Cups but would be only their second time in the semi final during that stretch should they overcome France. 

There is going to be a host of attacking talent on the pitch with the likes of Mbappe, Dembele, Griezmann and Giroud for Les Bleus and Kane, Foden, Saka and Rashford lining up for the Three Lions. Both teams have shown that they may be fully clicking into gear after each striking for three goals in their round of 16 matchup as well as each having scored two or more goals in three of their four matches so far. With there existing some legitimate questions over France’s defensive solidity as well as England’s defense facing their first real test of the tournament, backing both teams to get on the score sheet looks to be a strong possibility for this match.

This is a match that shapes up well for goals given the sheer amount of attacking quality on display. There will be questions as to which system England manager Gareth Southgate will deploy but if he continues with the 4-3-3 formation then it’s very likely we see more clear attacking chances from both sides. With both sides looking like they are hitting their stride on the offensive side of the ball following their performances in the previous round, we’re going with both teams to score as our bet for this match. 

If you want more information and predictions, check out the England v France prediction and betting tips at Sportytrader.