France v England Bet Builder Stats & Predictions

Kick Off: 22:00, Saturday 18th July  

Competition: World Cup 

Watch Live: BBC One

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Match Stats: Neither Team Wants to Play This

I find it quite surprising that this is still something that happens at the World Cup. It’s a game that neither side will be that interested in, as there isn’t much reward for the winner.

There’s also the factor that almost all of these players are closing in on around 60 games played over the last calendar year.

That’s far too much football, even for top-level athletes, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see some significant changes for this clash, with many of the main stars protected ahead of another busy season.

That being said, this does tend to be quite an entertaining game if you look at previous campaigns - three of the last four third-placed playoff matches since the 2010 World Cup have seen 3+ goals.

England have been here before too, losing 2-0 to Belgium in the Bronze Final of the 2018 World Cup. The Three Lions have seen BTTS in all four of their knockout matches, and I can see this being another open game.

Predictions

BTTS @ 1.44
Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.44
France to Finish Third @ 1.44

Shot Stats: Opportunity for Fringe Players?

I expect quite a bit of rotation here from both sides following the defeat of their semi-final exits to Spain and Argentina.

Kane and Bellingham are definitely likely to be given a bit of a rest, though Mbappe may still start for France, given his obsession with personal records.

I’d look at some of the players that haven’t really been given an opportunity at this World Cup; the likes of Rashford and Saka should be given a chance to get something out of what has ultimately been a disappointing campaign for Tuchel’s men.

If Mbappe does get the nod to start, 1.80 for him to have 2+ shots on target looks like a really strong angle. He’s found the target twice in all but one of his World Cup matches, and I think he’d cause this vulnerable England backline plenty of problems.

Predictions

Marcus Rashford 1+ Shots on Target @ 1.83
Kylian Mbappe 2+ Shots on Target @ 1.80
France Most Shots on Target @ 1.53
France 5+ Shots on Target @ 1.44

Card Stats: Avoid Cards & Fouls

This game will lack intensity and urgency; there’s no need for players to go diving into challenges with the next season just a few weeks away, so I expect a cautious approach from both sides.

It’s not like cards have been flying out at this World Cup either; the referees have been very cautious with how many cards they produce, even in the more competitive matches, so I would expect few, if any, yellow cards in this game.

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