International friendly: France to continue fine England record
Published:
Holly Thackeray | November 16, 2015
England v France
- International friendly
- Tuesday, November 17th
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Wembley Stadium, London, England
- Live on ITV
Wembley welcomes defiant France
Les Bleus will still play away at Wembley despite tragic events at the weekend, with Hodgson continuing to add: “There’s something hanging over this match that is far greater than a football match… It’s more about us showing solidarity.
“It’s more about why this football match is being played than what actually happens on the field.”
All of the France squad that took part in the last friendly victory against Germany will reportedly be present, while English fans are expected to join in with the visitors’ national anthem “La Marseillaise”, with Wembley’s famous arches illuminated by colours from the French flag.
England injury woe a chance for France
Tottenham’s tenacious Ryan Mason has been drafted in for cover, while Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard was another surprise late call-up on Sunday, after injuries saw Michael Carrick and Jamie Vardy both ruled out of action. That takes Hodgson’s list of sidelined stars to a worrying 17 squad regulars, and France (7/4 match favourites from Coral) are expected to capitalise.
Les Bleus do not need to worry about England’s team sheet if customers cast an eye back to the recent history in this rivalry, though, as the French have not lost on Wembley turf since 1992. So, backing France at a tempting 6/1 match special to win with both teams to score could prove profitable.
Although England’s unbeaten record in Euro 2016 qualifying plus home advantage means they are a temptingly long chance at 17/10, the Three Lions fell to Spain last time out having seen little possession.
This, in addition to France’s recent fine form of five friendly fixture victories on the trot, means if looking away from an English defeat, Hodgson’s men are much better value at 2/1 to end evenly.
Scorer shouts for both sides
Manchester United star Anthony Martial, meanwhile, impressed with quick feet to turn provider for his compatriot and is 2/1 in the same market, with Mexico-based forward Andre-Pierre Gignac 6/1 to have the final say after finishing the scoring against Germany.
England will look toward poaching pair Wayne Rooney, who became his nation’s all-time top scorer in his last appearance at Wembley, and back in-form Harry Kane. Both have had club troubles this term, but have remained prolific for country, so are enticing at 6/1 and 11/2 to strike first and last respectively.
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