Prediction: France vs England

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: William Hill

Two of Europe’s historically great football rivals go head to head in a high-profile international friendly on Tuesday night at Stade de France looking to end their respective seasons on a positive note after underwhelming World Cup qualifying results last week.

France

Euro 2016 finalists France had the best of warm ups for crucial Sweden qualifier as Didier Deschamps’ men stomped over Paraguay in a 5-0 win. Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud scored a hat-trick to prove he was still in great scoring shape despite not playing for Gunners as much as he would have liked towards the end of the season. The towering Frenchman continued his goalscoring run with a fantastic self-made volley against Sweden, but his cracker of a goal was not enough for France to avoid defeat. The Swedes first equalised through Durmaz towards the end of first half and then grabbed a morale-boosting win in injury time much to the fault of French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who made a terrible error ahead of goal. Tottenham shot-stopper made an unbelievable blunder when he decided to run out with the ball rewarding Sweden with an open goal halfway line shot by Ola Toivonen. The French are now level on points with Sweden in Group A but sit in second due to goal difference. England travel to town at a bad time for a demoralised Frenchmen, who still have a chance to make slight amends with a win over neighbours.

Team News

In-form Gunner Olivier Giroud is likely to preserve his place in the starting line-up after a great goalscoring run.

Premier League Player of the Season N’Golo Kante is likely to replace Blaise Matuidi in the team, whereas Lloris should continue in goal despite his blunder.

England

Gareth Southgate’s men can count themselves rather fortunate to have escaped from Scotland holding a point in their hands after falling behind after a quick-fire free kick double from Leigh Griffiths in final moments of the neighbourly World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park on Saturday. Captain Harry Kane rose to the occasion, however, to score an injury time equaliser, crush Scottish hearts and keep his team two points clear at the top of Group F. England have been without a defeat in 34 qualifying matches, but their form has been rather inconsistent recently and Gareth Southgate will use the upcoming occasion to try and boost his team’s morale at the end of the season. The Three Lions are yet to triumph on French soil and will be facing a proper challenge in what is expected to be a highly-contested affair.

Team News

Joe Hart has not had the best of games against Scotland and could be replaced by Fraser Forster in goal against France.

Wayne Rooney and Kieran Trippier have previously been dropped out of the squad for matches against Scotland and France.

Key Factors to Consider

• Olivier Giroud scored 4 goals in France’s last two matches
• England have failed to beat France in any of their 6 visits thus far
• France lost two of their three last games in all competitions
• England have not been defeated in last 34 qualifying matches
• France won 13 of their last 15 home matches

Conclusion

Matches between the two neighbouring countries tend to be exciting to watch and we do expect to see another entertaining match. Both teams are coming off from disappointing results last week and will be keen to improve the impression ahead of the summer break.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: William Hill