England v France World Cup predictions: Three Lions can roar into semi-finals

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for England v France in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

Where to watch

ITV1, 7pm Saturday

England v France World Cup match predictions

England draw no bet
1pt 21-20 BoyleSports, Hills

England's performance went up a notch with their 3-0 success over Senegal in the round of 16 and they are playing well enough to win their titanic tussle against France, who are yet to keep a clean sheet in Qatar.

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Match preview

England have never reached the semi-finals at successive World Cups but they have been making impressive progress in Qatar and can pass their biggest test by beating defending champions France.

There has been intense debate over which system Gareth Southgate will choose but whether he goes with a back three or a four, England should have a good chance of winning and are excellent value at a shade of odds against on the draw-no-bet or at much bigger 90-minute prices.

France's talisman Kylian Mbappe has been the outstanding player of the tournament and is going to take some stopping.

But if anyone can limit Mbappe's impact on the match it could be England's quickest defender, Kyle Walker.

The Manchester City man has faced Mbappe at club level on three Champions League nights, winning on two occasions and losing once.

Mbappe scored one goal during those matches but his general influence was muted with an average of 0.7 shots per game.

The Paris St-Germain forward's shot average at the 2022 World Cup stands at a whopping 6.4 and it could be vital for Walker and England to stay on top of his attacking instincts.

However, Walker was right to say in his press briefing that the contest is England versus France, rather than England versus Mbappe, and it may be that the Three Lions have a little more going for them.

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Successful teams at World Cups show progress through the rounds and England's 3-0 victory over Senegal was hugely encouraging.

Southgate's side were caught out by the Senegalese press on a few occasions and needed Jordan Pickford to come up with a couple of smart saves. But they showed a ruthlessness at the other end with three outstanding counter-attacking goals.

The front three of Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Phil Foden were all hugely influential and there were no weak links in midfield as England went on to make light work of what could have been a tough opponent

Defensively, England can look stretched when they give the ball away in bad areas and it is something they will be keen to avoid against France, who have much more talented attackers than Senegal.

Mbappe has been getting all the plaudits but Antoine Griezmann has been effective in the number ten position, laying on 15 chances and five big chances, of which only one has resulted in a goal.

Griezmann's influence will need to be limited and England's left-sided defender Luke Shaw will have his hands full dealing with Ousmane Dembele, who has caught the eye with his pace and has set up two goals.

It promises to be a fascinating contest between teams who both have the potential to go all the way.

But England tick a lot of boxes, having scored 12 goals and kept three clean sheets, and they have enough to go at least one step further.

Key stat

France have kept just one clean sheet in their last ten matches.

Team news

England
Raheem Sterling has rejoined the squad but is unlikely to start. Ben White left the group earlier in the tournament but Declan Rice should be available after illness.

France
Injured left back Lucas Hernandez had to withdraw from the squad but Kylian Mbappe is back in full training after an ankle injury scare.

Probable teams

England (4-3-3) Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Henderson, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Foden.

France (4-2-3-1) Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud.

Inside info

England

Top scorer in probable team Harry Kane
Star player Harry Kane
Penalty taker Harry Kane
Assist ace Harry Kane
Set-piece aerial threat Harry Maguire
Card magnet Kyle Walker

France

Top scorer in probable team Olivier Giroud
Star player Kylian Mbappe
Penalty taker Antoine Griezmann
Assist ace Antoine Griezmann
Set-piece aerial threat Olivier Giroud
Card magnet Aurelien Tchouameni

England v France Bet Builder

England to win
England were the tournament's joint-highest scorers after the round of 16 with 12 goals and their high-quality attack can help them prevail over the champions.
Both teams to score
With so much attacking talent on the pitch it would be a surprise if either team kept a clean sheet.
Harry Kane to score at any time
Confidence is key when it comes to centre-forwards and Kane has every chance of building on his fine finish against Senegal.

Price guide 15-2

Match information

Stadium Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
Fifa rankings England 5, France 4
Weather Clear, 20C

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