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For England, the World Cup test may have just begun to start as they are set to face pacy France who arguably is the most clinical team in this world cup. In the last match, Les Bleus showed they’re as threatening as they were in their impressive run of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, particularly in terms of the attack. In the round of 16, two thumping world-class goals from ever so in ace form, Kylian Mbappe in addition to one sweeping opener from Oliver Giroud safely secured their position in the quarter-finals.

As for England, they also had a somewhat impressive and convincing victory over their last 16 opponents, Senegal to get a place in the last eight. Similar to France, England, too, netted three goals against the more robust defense of the African sides though the Three Lions were able to keep a clean sheet.

This is the ninth FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for France while England is playing their ninth last eight. Only twice has Les Bleus been eliminated from the last eight in their history. In terms of doing best at this stage, England has a somewhat worse record than France. They have been beaten in the last eight five times.

England vs France Team News And Expected Lineups

In the absence of the reigning Ballondr winner, Karim Benzema, AC Milan striker Oliver Giroud is expected to carry the front-most point. After all, the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea forward just became France’s all-time leading scorer.

For England, a bit of a worry is the absence of Chelsea’s striker Raheem Sterling who was unable to serve against Senegal after he had to leave for England following a burglary at his home. A similar reason has been given for Arsenal defender, Ben White’s unavailability. The other notable absentee is Newcastle forward Callum Wilson who apparently hasn’t attended training due to a minor muscle strain.

Possible Lineups

England XI: Pickford; Trippier, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Bellingham, Rice; Saka, Kane, Foden.

France XI: Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud.

England vs France Predictions

The one fact that avows for England’s possibility to score is France’s own inability to keep a clean sheet in addition to the acknowledgment that the Three Lions are the top-scoring team in this tournament. Furthermore, except for Kylian Mbappe, England also has attackers on par with France’s forwards. Bookmakers have been labeling France the favorite but only marginally. The scoring frequency of PSG forward, Mbappe is such that, no one is having it easy betting on him not to be on the scoresheet. In fact, it absolutely won’t be surprising if France settles this tie in their favor on Mbappe’s individual brilliance.

The 23-year-old has already scored five goals in just three appearances at this world cup. He however will have a bit of legit competition this time against Manchester City’s Kyle Walker. England hasn’t convinced the bookmakers, particularly with respect to their slow starts and now it has the maximum possibility to cost them against the quality of the French attack. The business of Griezman, the poaching ability of Giroud, the lethality of Mbappe, and the speed of Dembele at times will just be too much for England and so far has been for many teams. The neck-and-neck battle however is certainly going to be in the middle. Whatever the case, whoever comes out alive after this game, that team will dangerously be reconsidered the next-level threat for the other favorites and one formidable-plus contender.

Projected Scoreline: France 3-1 England

England vs France Previous Meetings

In some way, France and England can be labeled as old-school traditional rivals. Their first-ever recorded clash was way back in 1923 in a friendly ambiance. The meeting saw England winning the match with a scoreline of 4-1. Since then they have locked horns on thirty occasions with only two of them being in the FIFA World Cup in 1966 and 1982. In light of that, France is yet to beat their fellow European opponent.

England vs France Odds

source: sporting news

England vs France Previous Stats Of Each Team