Recommended Bets
Coral 11/2 Harry Kane to score anytime and an England win (sign up for a Coral free bet)
William Hill 11/2 Kylian Mbappe to score first (sign up for a William Hill free bet)
Paddy Power 4/1 Griezmann to score first (sign up for a Paddy Power free bet)
France v England Betting Tips
England and France have always stood arm in arm when it comes to the devastating atrocities that terrorism brings. The last time these sides met, it was at Wembley where “Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite” was shown proudly just days after Paris’ terror attacks back in November 2015.
That night, on the pitch, the Three Lions triumphed, but things will be a lot more testing this time around as Gareth Southgate looks to establish himself as England manager.
The side head to Paris as clear underdogs. Boomakers have them priced at 10/3 compared to France’s 10/11 to beat England.
Naturally, that’s no real surprise after England’s poor display against Scotland. While dominant, they’ll regret missed chances much more against a French side that could include Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe.
The latter is in high demand, with most top Premier League clubs looking at the Monaco striker. The game in Paris is his last game in the shop window before the bidding war begins and he could be a good punt at 11/2 to grab the first goal.
Griezmann is favourite to score first at 4/1 and him to bag a brace against what will be an inexperienced England back four is good value at 7/1.
Southgate is all set to ring the changes with Joe Hart moving to the bench in place of Tom Heaton and Jack Butland, while Kieran Trippier and Aaron Cresswell could also get the nod. That’s on top of England having only once away from home to France in their last six meetings.
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That came in June 1997. Twenty years on, can they end that drought?
The bookmakers don’t seem to think so. A Harry Kane anytime goal and England win at 11/2 with Coral looks the most sensible option if you’re backing Southgate’s men, while backing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to continue his goal scoring form is priced at 11/2 anytime scorer.
Draws don’t come to often in this tie, with only five in their previous 30 meetings. However, nothing screams draw like an end of season friendly with absolutely nothing to play for. A goalless one is priced at 8/1 with William Hill, while backing simply a draw is priced at 9/4.
It’s certainly the way we could see it going. While England were poor against Scotland, they showed great resolve to get back into the game, and while we don’t necessarily see them having enough to win, they’re a tough side to beat currently.
France aren’t exactly coming into the game off a positive result at the weekend. While facing tougher opposition in Sweden, the side couldn’t come back after a late goal like the Three Lions.
It was a case of failing to convert their own chances, just as England had, which makes this game look like it could be two sides simply cancelling each other out.
Home advantage may play its part though, while a lack of experience for the England back four may also prevent them from picking up anything. One thing is for sure though, they’ll be huge amounts of respect for each other before the game, in what will be an emotional night in Paris.
Predicted Line-Ups
France: Lloris, Sidibe, Umtiti, Koscielny, Sidibe, Kante, Matuidi, Lemar, Griezmann, Payet, Mbappe
England: Heaton; Trippier, Stones, Jones, Cresswell; Dier, Livermore; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lingard, Rashford; Kane
