England vs. France Quarterfinals Picks, Predictions, Odds
The 2022 World Cup quarterfinals will conclude on Saturday when the reigning world champions in France will meet England. The winner will face either Portugal in Morocco in the semifinals for a chance to play for the championship next week.
Defense meets offense here with France averaging three goals in its three wins going up against an England defense that has posted three consecutive clean sheets since allowing two meaningless goals in its 6-2 romp over Iran in the opener.
Who will prevail? Let's break down the last quarter!
England vs. France Picks & Score Predictions
When a match is this close to call, when there are multiple individual battles throughout the pitch with the result seemingly hinging on, and when we have a game of such importance, it's often challenging to pick a winning camp. That's no different here.
We've got Kylian Mbappé versus Kyle Walker, Ousmane Dembélé up against Luke Shaw, and Jude Bellingham in the form of his life against France's midfield.
Though we can get carried away with the glitz and glamour on the pitch, the likelihood is, for most parts, that these two nations cancel each other out for considerable periods.
As uninspiring as it may be, a Draw is the pick of the bunch results-wise at +225 odds. But, of course, if you're expecting a nervy, low-scoring, honors-even affair, 0-0 at +800 or 1-1 at +550 could be best placed to laugh all the way to the bank on Saturday.
Score Predictions:
England 0 France 0 (+800)
England 1 France 1 (+550)
England vs. France Best Bets
Let's go with the draw.
The +225 odds offered is attractive enough in a match that should see a tentative 45 minutes of football to start the game. If we get to 0-0 at half-time, there's probably a 25/30 minute period where either side will step it up a gear in forward areas.
However, with the clock ticking down, expect both to revert to a more pragmatic style to ensure an additional thirty minutes of extra time is locked in rather than a plane ticket back home.
But this train of thought may end up looking rather silly. There are players on this pitch capable of producing moments of magic from very little. An early goal could set us up for a quarterfinal fixture for the ages. However, presuming how well-matched the two sides will be, the +800 return for 0-0 is something to consider with a small stake.
Game Best Bets:
England vs. France Odds
England +200
France +140
Draw +225
Over 2.5 (+110)
Under 2.5 (-138)
To qualify/advance:
England +110
France -138
We've covered the Draw, but who are the favorites?
Well, Didier Deschamps' French outfit takes that tag with the +140 price to win, overshadowing England's +200 odds. That seems about right to me, although I'd have them a tad closer in price.
Furthermore, the -138 odds for Under 2.5 goals and +110 for Over 2.5 suggests the bookmakers agree there shouldn't be an abundance of goals in this quarterfinal.
England vs. France Special Odds
Both Teams to Score: Yes (-125) No (-106)
Game Decided in Extra Time: Yes (+550) No (-900)
Corners: Over 9 (+150) Under 9 (-120)
England vs. France Betting Stats
World Cup Record
England (3-1-0)
France (3-0-1)
World Cup Form
England 6 Iran 2 (Favorite -250)
England 0 USA 0 (Draw +333)
England 3 Wales 0 (Favorite -225)
England 3 Senegal 0 (Favorite -188)
France 4 Australia 1 (Favorite -400)
France 2 Denmark 1 (Favorite -134)
Tunisia 1 France 0 (Underdog +800)
France 3 Poland 1 (Favorite -300)
England Betting Outlook and Players to Watch
Comparisons to Paul Gasgcoine in an England shirt are as significant as they come, with Jude Bellingham's ability beaming from every pore in Qatar for all to see.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder should top every wish list domestically in the summer transfer window, and there's no wonder why. England's central midfielder is capable of controlling the tempo and is willing and able to grab the game by the scruff up the neck and drag his team upfield - similar to a young Steven Gerrard.
If Bellingham continues to be progressive, fearless and have a ruthless edge to his game in an England jersey, don't be surprised if the +175 odds for him to record a shot on target comes close.
France will be concerned with that impetus from midfield, coupled with Harry Kane in between a depth of in-form forward options. Kylian Mbappé may have five goals in 3.5 games, but Marcus Rashford, who started on the substitutes bench against Senegal, has three goals in just 1.5 outings.
Player Best Bets:
Over 0.5 Shots - Jude Bellingham +175
Anytime Goal Scorer - Marcus Rashford +350
France Betting Outlook and Players to Watch
There is only one place to start. Kylian Mbappé is lighting up the world stage. The PSG man is the best player on the planet right now, though Erling Haaland may have something to say about that whilst twiddling his thumbs in Manchester for the last couple of weeks. The five World Cup goals has Mbappé leading the scoring charts, whilst his 2.7xG and Olivier Giroud's 2.4xG have them both in the top three players still competing in Qatar. Number one? That's Lionel Messi.
If looking for a way into the match which gets a Kylian Mbappé in frightful form on our side, the first goalscorer market may appeal. With the prospect of a limited number of goals, taking a punt on the Frenchman to score the opener at +450 could be a convenient angle.
What England and Gareth Southgate cannot afford to do, which I'm sure they won't, is overlook Ousmane Dembélé on the other wing. Luke Shaw is in for the test of his life up against the fleet-footed winger. It should be a 90-minute period similar to Kyle Walker's on the right flank, that's for sure.
Player Best Bets:
Anytime Goal Scorer - Kylian Mbappé +175
Anytime Goal Scorer - Ousmane Dembélé +350
England vs. France Betting Resources
Date: Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022
Matchup: Quarterfinals
Stadium: Al Bayt Stadium
Location: Al Khor, Qatar
TV-Time: FOX, 2:00p.m. ET
Be sure to follow Sam Ingram on Twitter at @SamIngram_
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