England V France Live Preview – Two Nations Stand United

England V France

Tuesday 17th November. 8PM. ITV 1

Never has a match that means so little mean so much, and all eyes will be cast towards Tuesday night’s international friendly between England and France. It’s hard to understand exactly what the atmosphere will be like. What we do know, however, is that it will be a contest like no other.

For once, footballing rivalries will be cast aside. Let’s just hope that two great footballing nations can unite and put on a cracking spectacle.

Come on England. And come on France.

Can Three Lions Bounce Back From Spain Defeat?

Having excelled in qualification, Roy Hodgson’s England suffered a severe reality check via Friday’s 2-0 loss to Spain. While the scoreline may have been a little harsh on the Three Lions, it did show that they are still miles short of where they need to be.

Tuesday’s match should see the return of skipper Wayne Rooney, though, as well as a couple of other notable faces. There will be room for Hodgson to tinker slightly with the team, but this final test of 2015 is a real opportunity to test themselves against one of Europe’s elite.

England’s recent record against France isn’t particularly good, however, with Les Bleus sitting unbeaten in six matches. The most recent of those came during Hodgson’s first competitive game in charge, back at Euro 2012.

Over three years later, the team looks very different and will be eager to prove their worth. While sympathy is of course with the visitors, England’s players know that places are up for grabs. Expect a big performance.

Les Bleus To Continue Home Tournament Preparations

While it’s hard to concentrate on the on-field matters, it is worth noting that Didier Deschamps’ men did beat world champions Germany via a 2-0 scoreline on Friday night. Quite frankly, they’ll be more motivated than ever to perform at Wembley.

They certainly have the players to show their pride too. With Olive Giroud, Paul Pogba, Antoine Greizmann, Kingsley Koman, and Anthony Martial all looking for goals, there’s no reason to doubt their ability in the attacking third.

France haven’t played a competitive match since the World Cup due to their position as Euro 2016 hosts. However, they have hit top form just as their preparations hit top gear. Les Bleus have won five matches on the spin, including victories against Germany and Portugal. If they perform as they can, they’ll have every chance of winning.

For once, that’s something that even England fans wouldn’t begrudge.

England V France Betting

Even without the off-field issues, this is a particularly tough contest to call. Those thoughts are replicated by Bet365’s odds as England and France are both priced at 17/10 respectively. The daw can be backed at 21/10.

It will be a strange fixture, but both teams will be eager to put on a decent display. There’s certainly goals amongst both teams, yet we don’t think either will run away with this one.

All things considered, our bet of the night has to be a draw with both teams on the target.

[quote_center]BTTS & Draw @ 15/4 with Bet365[/quote_center]

We hope it will be an entertaining affair befitting of the occasion. And we’re backing one of England’s most exciting prospects to lead the way.

Ross Barkley wasn’t at his best on Friday in Alicante, but he did show glimpses. If England can get the ball to their star striker, there’s every reason to fancy the Everton man for a goal.

[quote_center]Ross Barkley to score anytime @ 5/1 with Bet365[/quote_center]