For the first time this World Cup, England go into a game as the bookies underdogs at 2/1 (coincidentally the same as Barnsley at Oxford). Albeit only marginally, as France are listed at 17/11. France have already comfortably seen off Australia, Denmark and Poland. Their heavily rotated team were defeated by Tunisia in the group, although they were already through. France have conceded a goal in every game so far however, and face their toughest challenge in an England side who have netted 12 goals in 4 games so far (technically 12 in 3 if you ignore the USA game). In preparation for the World Cup, France also had a poor Nations League campaign, finishing 3rd in their group with just 5 points from 6 games, with their only victory coming at home to Austria. England and France have faced each other twice at a World Cup, with England winning on both occasions, albeit the most recent meeting was 40 years ago. Since that victory in 82, England and France have met 9 times (mainly in friendlies), with France winning 5, 3 draws, and England winning just once, a 2015 friendly in Paris with Wayne Rooney and Dele Ali on the scoresheet. England need to keep M'Bappe quiet to have any chance of victory. I'm not sure if we're defensively strong enough for that. England generally fair better against teams who like to have more of the ball, and we've show in glimpses that we can be very dangerous on the counter attack. I'm going for 2-2, with England winning on penalties.
Can't see anything but a French victory here. We might nick a goal whilst Mbappe et al are scoring for fun at the other end. France 4 - England 1
I like the look of us but I just think France are better. ...the Mbappe...Greizman....Dumbele Giroud...is top notch.... 2...0 to them. Hopefully we play well.
I am not going to predict as I am never right. But there is absolutely no reason why we can’t overcome France. We have scored 12 goals (and at that we took our foot off the gas against Senegal, probably to preserve energy) and of these, our main goal threat, Harry Kane, has only scored one which suggests we have many goal scoring options. Our midfield is world class with options off the bench if needed. If our defence are on their game, tonight, which they have been so far, we have every chance of getting through to the semis. Not predicting an England win, just suggesting that the French really should be respecting and fearing us as much we are them…. Oh f@&k it - 2-0 England!!!!