France are unbeaten in 21 games and have something to prove after their disastrous World Cup. Since 1996 the French have had eight opening group matches at Euro and World Cups with the most recent three all finishing goalless and three of the five before that being won to nil. Meanwhile, England’s opening nine group games since 1990 have featured five draws and just two wins.
Looking at their recent form France look very worthy favourites against an England team that are missing key players but with England likely to take a conservative approach it is probably best to take some cover on the draw.
Summary courtesy of Form Labs
France - England
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superfrank
- Posts: 2762
- Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:28 pm
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to start for England at Euro 2012
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18076341
maybe England won't be as defensive as most people seem to think...
i'm tempted to lay France with a view to trading out in-play. form goes out of the window in games like this - it's a local derby in international terms and defeat for England against the French (in anything!) is hard to swallow. i expect England to put up a good fight.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18076341
maybe England won't be as defensive as most people seem to think...
i'm tempted to lay France with a view to trading out in-play. form goes out of the window in games like this - it's a local derby in international terms and defeat for England against the French (in anything!) is hard to swallow. i expect England to put up a good fight.
I think it will be a pivotal match. I find it really hard to trade while shouting at the top of my voice, so I'll be watching only when it comes to England. 
I think Hodgson should play the younger players. They are more likely to have less baggage with them and the expectations are so low that they can afford to cock it up and nobody will be surprised. On the upside if the young guns really go for it and get an early goal things will get turned on their head. The more experienced players can play a role in guiding the younger players to manage the match more effectively.
I'm fairly clueless as to how this is going to pan out. 21 games undefeated for France is impressive, but I'm with superfrank on the view that form can go out the window in a tournament.
I think Hodgson should play the younger players. They are more likely to have less baggage with them and the expectations are so low that they can afford to cock it up and nobody will be surprised. On the upside if the young guns really go for it and get an early goal things will get turned on their head. The more experienced players can play a role in guiding the younger players to manage the match more effectively.
I'm fairly clueless as to how this is going to pan out. 21 games undefeated for France is impressive, but I'm with superfrank on the view that form can go out the window in a tournament.
Having a cheeky opening trade buying over 2.5 goals in the hope of a quick goal in the first 15mins. Will close out whatever at 15mins and then watch and hopefully enjoy the rest!!
In a time when the nation doesn't expect let's hope we are all pleasantly suprised
In a time when the nation doesn't expect let's hope we are all pleasantly suprised
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superfrank
- Posts: 2762
- Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:28 pm
heavy first touch took it too wide.
not a bad start though.
not a bad start though.
That was my only bet. Did it pre play so i wouldn't get emotionally involved.
But now recycled my green into a lay on England.
It's one bet i don't want to land.
If England win I'll me made up
If England don't win I'll be quids in.
The logic of a pro gambler
But now recycled my green into a lay on England.
It's one bet i don't want to land.
If England win I'll me made up
If England don't win I'll be quids in.
The logic of a pro gambler