It’s time for the FIFA World Cup 2022 quarter-finals, as eight of the finest footballing nations battle for a spot in the final four. The last of the quarter-final matches takes place on Saturday night as reigning champions France take on England.
We’ve previewed the upcoming tie and provided our betting tips from the latest football odds. Check out the FIFA World Cup 2022 betting markets at Bet777.be – the best place for live betting on international football.
FIFA World Cup 2022: England vs France Preview and Odds
France’s journey to retaining the title at FIFA World Cup 2022 continues on Saturday night when they take on 2018 semi-finalists England. Les Bleus ran away comfortable 3-1 winners in their round of 16 tie against Poland, with a Kylian Mbappe brace taking his tally to five for the tournament.
England may have kept three consecutive clean sheets ahead of the quarter-final, but they face an entirely different prospect with France. The three-pronged French attack will no doubt be confident in breaching the Three Lions’ defence, but it’s the other end of the pitch they will need to improve upon if they are to book a spot in the semi-final.
France are yet to keep a clean sheet in four matches at FIFA World Cup 2022, which doesn’t bode well as they prepare to face a free-flowing England team that have netted 12 goals already. Raphael Varane and Dayot Upamecano will have their work cut out when they come up against Harry Kane, and stopping the Tottenham centre-forward will be pivotal in emerging victorious.
France are 2.38 favourites to win in 90 minutes, with an England victory equally priced with a draw at 3.20. With the abundance of attacking talent primed to grace the pitch, both teams to score (1.89) and over 2.5 goals (2.18) are both heavily backed. Mbappe is leading the odds to break the deadlock at 5.50, closely tailed by England captain Kane (6.20).
England vs France: Key Players
Mbappe might be the best player in the world right now, and he might just be the best player in the world for the next decade. He has directly played a hand in France’s last seven goals (5 goals, 2 assists), and is well on his way to claiming all the personal accolades should Les Bleus progress. Olivier Giroud also plays an underrated role in this French attack, providing a focal point whenever his side come under pressure.
Kyle Walker will need a good night’s sleep ahead of this one. If England stand any chance of reaching the semi-finals, Walker will have to nullify the influence of Mbappe. Whether or not he can achieve that remains to be seen. Kane will also play a crucial role. His hold-up play and ability to draw fouls should provide relief for the England back-line.
FIFA World Cup 2022: England vs France Betting Tips
France win and both to score – 4.00
Given France are yet to keep a clean sheet, we can see this England attack causing them problems. However, if France are to retain their title, they are likely to do it outscoring their opposition. With the forwards at Didier Deschamps’ disposal, they can go toe-to-toe with any nation.
Over 2.5 goals – 2.18
Six of the eight FIFA World Cup 2022 matches these teams have been involved in have featured over 2.5 goals. We could be in for another end-to-end cracker.
Giroud first goalscorer – 7.30
All England’s focus will be on stopping Mbappe, which opens up space for their other attackers. Giroud could be the man that benefits. He has netted three at FIFA World Cup 2022 thus far and doesn’t need too many chances to get on the scoresheet.
If you like the look of our preview and betting tips for England vs France, head to Bet777.be to place your bet.