@BurrOaks77's World Cup Quarter Final Picks: France vs England - 12/10

We had both World Cup games requiring extra time and PK’s yesterday. I think we might see a third match require more than the 90’ plus stoppage. The winner of this game will likely become the odds on favorite to lift the title.

England impressed me with their win in the round of sixteen. I have been a vocal Southgate critic since Euros. He managed the team poorly in UEFA Nations league as well, getting relegated from Group A. However, he kept his foot on the gas in the round of sixteen and allowed his team to attack and create. Instead of sitting back in a lower block and looking to spring the counter. If England and Southgate continue to play an aggressive style of football against France, I like their chances. Kane has finally put the ball in the back of the net ending his goal scoring drought. I also like that Foden finally got a start. He was able to provide two assists in the previous match. I will want to see him in the English starting XI again. Jude Bellingham continues to impress from anywhere on the field. He can score goals, set up assists for his teammates, and provide precision passing for an entire game. This English squad is quality, I have no doubts about that. My biggest concern is will the manager continue to press the issue and play attacking? Or will he play a conservative game? For all of England’s sake, I hope Southgate realizes what has worked and what hasn’t.

France are fired up and running like a well oiled machine. They easily handled Poland and honestly, the Lewa PK at the end really only mattered for our bets. France had that game on ice before the 80th minute. Kylian Mbappe is just built different and he somehow finds an extra gear every time he puts on the French kit. England will do their best to stop him, but I think at this point the best you can hope to do is slow the man down. As long as Mbappe is +100 or better, I don’t know how you could justify not betting on the current golden boot leader. Mbappe has also contributed two assists in this tournament. I’ve talked at length about how I like Rabiot’s game, and how his shot/SOT market has value. Giroud has been looking 5 years younger and is playing lights out for this squad. He has broken the all time goal scoring record for France and will look to add to his tally as well.