England Women v France Women betting is the quarter final line up which sees Hope Powell’s women aim to take a step closer to the final. England secured top spot in Group B in the final round of matches thanks to a 2-0 win over group favourites, Japan. England Women had gotten off to a bit of a slow start in the group, after being held to a 1-1 draw by Mexico, in which England Women never got out of first gear really. After falling behind in their second match to New Zealand Women, Hope Powell’s team looked as if they were in for an early exit from the competition, until two second half goals saw England pick up the vital three points to keep them in touch with Japan. That set up the final match in which England and Japan battled it out for top spot. England thankfully had saved their best for last, as they turned in a very professional performance and finished the game off with two very clinical strikes. A beautiful lob from Ellen White, and great sharp control from Rachael Yankey gave England the crucial victory. England really worked very hard against Japan for the victory, playing some very controlled football and actually looking a threat going forward. A big plus as well, was their defence against a very strong Japan Women side, but the English defence stood very firm, battling for everything and keeping the Asians at bay. England really found their strengths at last in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and it came with captain Faye White and influential midfielder Fara Williams removed from the starting line up.
See full 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Results and Schedule here
England now need to keep up their patient football, which looked extremely good on the day against Japan. They take on a France Women side which has flexed their muscles in the tournament as well and look a dangerous threat in front of goal. France Women banged in a 4-0 win over Canada in the group stage, but when it came down to the crucial final match to see who would gain top spot in Group A against defending Champions Germany, France came up a little short, losing 4-2. France simply ran into a Germany Women side which suddenly exploded into life, showing all of their attacking power. The France defence, which had looked pretty solid up until that point, suddenly could not cope with what was being thrown at them. They did not help themselves either, when keeper Sapowicz was red carded as she gave away a penalty. But there is another side to this story. While the defence was having problems containing the Germany Women, even at full strength, going forward, France Women looked a very dangerous prospect. They carried a big threat in the air, and they play some fluent attacking, attractive football, which could give England women some problems when they meet in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter finals. The France result was important for England, because it meant that Germany finished top of Group A, and therefore England managed to avoid the tournament favourites. England could now only meet Germany Women in the final itself.
England Women v France Women 2011 FIFA World Cup quarter final betting sees quite an evenly matched pairing. England Women are actually behind in the head to head records with France. They have met twelve times before, with France Women winning five and England winning two of those. Interestingly enough, both sides have scored 11 goals in those twelve meetings. They have not met in the FIFA Women’s World Cup before though, but they have met in qualifiers, and England have not won any of those four, losing two and drawing two. The last time they met was in 2007 when they played out a 1-1 draw in Rennes. England Women look to have come good at the right time after a slow start, and when it came to their toughest opposition in Japan, they simply upped their game when it mattered most. England Women are a little predictable with their play, but against Japan, they played to their strengths, keeping the ball and trying to get out wide. France, on the other hand, look to have strengths with the ball on the deck and in the air. One feature of the quarter final match, should be the aerial power which both sides possess. France showed plenty of it against the Germans, and England have a big side as well in the air, so set pieces could play a very strong part in the quarter final match up.
England Women v France Women 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup betting should be tight. England do have the capability of winning this, but they need to be on top of their game. If England stick to their strength and keep the ball away from France, they will do OK. Out of the two sides, France definitely look as if they have more goals in them, there is a lot more potential and variety in them up front. But England’s forwards do know how to mix it up and they have all important support from midfield. France are probably better in control, but not as strong at the back, and England can exploit that with pace and power. England Women coach Hope Powell finally got she wanted from her women, and hopefully that can continue.
England Women v France Women Betting Tip: France are a tough side and impressed well through their qualification for the World Cup. England got off to a stuttering start, but will carry more momentum through to the quarter finals. So no reason not to get behind England in your football betting.
England are currently 20/1 at William Hill to win the World Cup
France are currently 16/1 at Paddy Power to win the World Cup
