England vs France Prediction, Lineups, Results & Betting Tips

Another appearance in a semi-final is the prize for England should they overcome reigning World Champions France at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday. Les Bleus enter this clash as favourites to progress and many have already written England off, but can Southgate's side take another step towards ending 56 years of hurt?

England vs France Stats

• No team has managed to score more than England’s 12 goals in this World Cup
• France have scored an average of 2.25 goals per game across their four World Cup outings
• Les Bleus have conceded in every single game thus far

England vs France Prediction: 

Betting Tip: Both teams to score

Arguably the most enticing clash at this quarter-final stage gets underway as Gareth Southgate's young Lions take on the might and experience of Didier Deschamps France. Many have already assumed that France will prove too much and perhaps that can play into England’s hands.

It’s no secret that France boasts a plethora of young talent themselves and the name on everyone's lips at the moment seems to be Kylian Mbappe. A lot is being made of his possible battle with Kyle Walker but that may not be the only area in which this match is decided.

Defensively, France haven’t been exactly watertight having shipped at least once in every game so far. They are much more lethal going forward but Gareth Southgate will take confidence from the fact that no side has scored more than the Three Lions this World Cup and will have full faith that his men can fashion plenty of goal-scoring opportunities of their own.

However, France are so strong in forward areas and they’re masters of working their way into this box, with all nine of their goals scored so far coming from inside the penalty area.

England may need to occasionally rely on counter-attacks and with the likes of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, two exceptionally technical players, being incredible in transitions, England should be taken seriously. Southgate’s side have played some of their best football down the flanks and although it can be frustrating to see the teams most natural finisher in Harry Kane dropping deep to collect the ball, that allows the energetic midfield to push on forward and force overloads.

This one should be a fascinating clash, but I think there will be opportunities for both sides here and think there is plenty of value to be had on both teams to score.

Betting Tip: Under 3.5 Total Cards

Another angle that seems quite tempting is looking at the card markets, more specifically, the total cards. As mentioned above, I'm expecting quite a tactical match with both sides looking to build off their respective strengths whilst keeping things quiet in the defensive department.

As such, I think cards may be scarce in this clash and I'd actually have the line at around 2.5 instead of the 3.5 being offered. France have only been awarded two cards themselves this tournament and I'm leaning towards this game being a bit of a spectacle in terms of the quality that the two sides will bring to the table.

It’s unlikely to resort to malicious challenges being made or arguments and the under 3.5 total cards at 4/5 also looks a standout pick. The man with the whistle is Brazilian Wilton Pereira Sampaio and whilst he has an extremely high average in the Brazilian top flight, that average has dropped significantly in the three games he has officiated in Qatar.

England vs France Results

England vs France Team News 

England:

• Ben White left the England camp recently, while Raheem Sterling has already returned home after a break-in at his home. He might return for the quarter-final showdown with France, but is unlikely to start
• John Stones and Callum Wilson both need assessing, however, everything will be done to ensure the former in particular is fit
• Gareth Southgate used a three-man backline against Germany and Italy at the Euros, suggesting he saves the system for the heavyweight meetings in knockout football
• However, with momentum in a 4-3-3, Southgate may be tempted to stick with that setup here

France:

• France have no injury concerns for this one, so it's unlikely Didier Deschamps will make changes to his XI
• That would see Jules Kounde and Raphael Varane continue in defence

England vs France Lineups

Predicted lineups are brought to you by WhoScored.com.

England

Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Henderson, Rice, Bellingham, Saka, Kane, Foden

France

Lloris, Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud

England vs France Score Prediction:

England 1-1 France