England vs France, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

England vs France Match Prediction & Analysis

England vs. France is a mouth-watering clash on any occasion, but to meet at the Quarter Finals of a World Cup promises a special moment.

England are one of the top-scoring nations at this year’s World Cup, with multiple players taking on the mantle and netting in big moments. 

Their game against Senegal was billed as a tough, close encounter than England would need to be at their best to progress from. As it turned out, they blew their opponents away after a mixed first 30 minutes.

France have looked like World Champions for much of the tournament so far, with their only blip coming in a surprise loss to Tunisia after making a whole host of changes when already qualified for the knockout stages.

We all know about Kylian Mbappe, the tournament’s top scorer, but they have a variety of world-class stars in their ranks who can cause England problems.

It should make for a fascinating encounter.

TEAMS PREVIEW

England Preview

FIFA Ranking: 5

Predicted Finish: Quarter Finals

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Have looked ruthless in attack all tournament

     Kept three clean sheets in a row

Reasons to be fearful:

     Have failed at this stage on six occasions

     A number of selection and formation headaches

England have failed at this stage of a World Cup on more occasions than any other – the Quarter Finals haven’t often been kind to them over the years.

Their last four eliminations at this stage have come against Portugal, Brazil, Argentina and Germany. It goes without saying that they have often had problems against the very biggest teams at this stage.

France are, without doubt, one of the best teams around right now. Fortunately for England, they have arguably their best squad in recent memory. Goals have come right across the frontline so far.

One weakness that France will look to target will be in defence – Maguire and Stones aren’t the quickest, while the pace of Walker and Shaw is sure to be tested by Mbappe and Dembele.

Fans have wondered if Southgate will select a 5-3-2 formation here, but in all likelihood he’ll stick with the 4-3-3 that has served him well so far this tournament.

Star Man – Harry Kane

On the biggest occasion’s Harry Kane is used to stepping up and delivering his best football. It’s not out of the question that Kane could pull out his best performance of the tournament and fire England through.

France Preview

FIFA Ranking: 4

Predicted Finish: Final

Reasons to be cheerful

     Frontline can frighten England’s defence

     Have won eight of their last 10 against European opponents

Reasons to be fearful

     Midfield is arguably weaker than England’s

     Kounde and Tchouameni are both one booking away from suspension

For all the quality in France’s team, one area that doesn’t quite stack up to the rest is in midfield. 

Rabiot and Tchouameni are both fine players, and the latter is likely to go on to become one of the world’s best in the years to come, but right now they are behind England’s midfielders in terms of quality.

Going forward, we know how good Mbappe, Dembele are Giroud are – the latter has just become France’s record goalscorer. Defence is in good shape too, with Varane and Upamecano ruling the roost.

For France to be successful, they’ll need to keep England’s big guns at bay while feeding the likes of Mbappe and Dembele as often as possible.

Star Man – Kylian Mbappe

With five goals at this tournament, and nine at World Cups overall, there is no doubting this player’s ability. England must stop the supply into him, otherwise he’ll ruin them.