England vs. France Prediction: 2022 World Cup Quarterfinal Odds

Their rivalry is the stuff of European history. Geopolitics, culture, language, and football. Never has there been a more dramatic stage for the English and French to content on the pitch and for their heroes to shine.

England is pinned at +212 in contrast to France’s +114 status. A draw is valued at +246.

England vs. France Quarterfinal Betting 

Of the 32 occasions they’ve played one another, 23 were friendlies. Word Cup encounters have been limited to a paltry two in the event’s entire history, the last one dating back to a 1982 group 4 clash that saw England prevail 3-1.

The only other World Cup meeting was in 1966 in Group 1, which the English also won, that time 2-0. The Cup indeed came home that year for it was also played at home.

Other contests that carried weight have been at UEFA European championships (Euro). Of note, France has never lost to their cross-Channel rivals in that event, going 2-3-0 in the process (win-draw-loss). The most recent case was in 2012 in Group D, a contest that ended in a 1-1 draw.

The 17-6-9 advantage England holds is awash in international friendlies history. This one is different. Never has there been a World Cup quarter-final game between the English and French. Both squads are brimming with talent and Les Bleus have a world title to defend.

More World Cup betting odds here. 

England

The road to get here has been relatively smooth. Only the U.S. planted the tiniest seed of doubt in the minds of Gareth Southgate and his ensemble. The 0-0 draw might have been a sign of the same old, disappointing England at the Cup, but the Three Lions have righted the ship since then.

Unlike with so many previous editions, this 2022 side is making good on the offensive talent it has brought to Qatar. It’s remarkable to think the unit has added to the scorecard twelve times and yet was shutout once. Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane have all carried the weight of the country on their shoulders admirably, the first two netting three times already. Luke Shaw, John Stones, and Harry Maguire make up a solid back line that’s halted opposing attacks with aplomb.

The Round of 16 date with Senegal could have been a tricky one. The Senegalese poked around the box a little bit, but England stayed calm and scored thrice to make it a 3-0 final.

France

It’s rather telling that Didier Deschamps’ side has made it this far and looked rather good doing so despite the absence of so many key components. No Benzema, no Pogba, no Konté, and an Antoine Griezmann whose La Liga contractual escapades meant he got precious little playing time prior to the tournament. Despite it all, this “weaker” French unit has looked marvellous at times.

Understandably they have superstar Kylian Mbappé in large part to thank for that. The 23rd-year-old continues to amaze with his speed, nose for the goal, and power. Whenever he gets the ball at his feet from inside or just outside the box – especially on the left – defenders and keepers engage in panic mode. His two late hits against Poland in the previous round were gobsmacking. Lest he is overlooked, Olivier Giroud has become France’s leading goal scorer with 52. Ousmane Dembélé has been a smooth orchestrator of attacking outbursts.

World Cup Prediction: Who Will Win England vs. France?

England 1-2 France