INTERNATIONAL BETTING PICK - FRANCE V ENGLAND

International

2008-03-26 - France vs England

A Sports Betting Pick by Mike

Despite only being a non-competitive game, England’s forthcoming against France at the Stade France should be considered an important fixture for several reasons.

This is only Fabio Capello’s second game in charge of the Three Lions, and is a perfect opportunity to measure his new regime against one of world football’s top-tier nations, and favourites among.

But in reality, the only story grabbing the headlines is David Beckham’s quest for his 100th cap.

Becks Closes in On 100th Cap

Becks has regained full fitness, having started the new season with the LA Galaxy, and Capello has retained the former England captain in his 23-man squad.

At 32, Beckham is past his best, and though he may plan a swan-song at the 2010 World Cup - should England get there – it is likely that despite the Italian’s official sound-bites, Capello is currying favour with England fans by giving him a final farewell, before focusing on developing England’s future around younger players.

Much more important for England’s chances against Les Bleus is the availability of Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard, who will start though are unlikely to see out ninety minutes, after picking up minor knocks over the weekend.

(Go to PinnacleSports.com for good odds for this game, and all midweek international friendlies. )

France coach, Raymond Domenech, has suffered with key players withdrawing due to minor injuries. Thierry Henry is out, along with Patrick Viera, taking some of the shine of what was expected to be a top quality encounter.

Domenech has called up David Trezeguet and Nikolas Anelka, with whom he has had difficult relationships, though Franck Ribery, possibly the most in-form French player, should take part.

The last time the sides met was a nail-biting classic at Euro 2004, when England led thanks to a Frank Lampard header, until the 90th minute, when two quick-fire Zinedine Zidane goals turned the game on its head.

Zizu is of course retired, but there will be plenty of survivors from that game on show, though not from the last Three Lions victory over France in 1997.

The sides have met three times since then, with two French victories and a draw, but neither side is in sharp form.

France have won just two of their last seven games, while England’s miserable Euro 2008 qualification bid is well documented.

The bookmakers price France marginal favourites for this game.

THE STATISTICS

France have an impressive 11-3-1 home record in competitive matches, but the heavy seeding of qualification game means that many of these wins were over teams like Lithuania, Gerogia, Cyprus (twice) and Israel (twice).

France did beat Italy 3-1 here at the start of Euro2008 qualifying in their toughest test - but that game had a special motivational factor coming three months after the World Cup final.

England have a solid 12-4-3 away record in competitive matches, but performances have been down in the last three years as England have suffered all three of those losses in the last seven away games - to N.Ireland (0-1), Croatia (0-2), and Russia (1-2).

Once again, the seeding means that many of England's wins were achieved against the likes of Albania, Liechtenstein, Azerbaijan and Macedonia.

TEAM NEWS :

France :
France are missing a number of high profile players with Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Louis Saha, Mathieu Valbuena, Karim Benzema, Bacary Sagna and Sebastien Frey all out.

England :
England are pretty much at full strength although guessing England's line-up is always a tricky task.

About all we know for certain is that Rio Ferdinand will skipper the side and David Beckham will get his 100th cap at some point.

THE VERDICT

I normally do not like betting on friendly games but there are several fixtures involving teams like France, England, Germany and Holland where the match has enough feeling in it to be considered different.

I think that Capello will be looking to make a point with a positive result in Paris.

BEST BETTING TIP :

If you want a riskier bet (but value) then get on ENGLAND to win this game.