Euro 2012 Opta Stats: France to inflict Roy's first loss

England are without a win in five against France in all competitions, losing their last three
Whereas the relevance of some international head-to-head stats can be called into question, all three of those defeats were suffered in the last eight years: the first in the sides' opening match at a European Championship, the second to signal the first setback for a recently appointed England coach (Fabio Capello) and the third occurring in the current international cycle in November 2010. The latter result formed part of France's current 21-game unbeaten run.

Only Italy (two) conceded fewer goals in qualifying than Les Bleus (four)
England are missing Wayne Rooney, and therefore relying on his less prolific Manchester United strike partner Danny Welbeck or the much-maligned Andy Carroll in Donetsk. That doesn't bode well against a France defence who rarely impress yet regularly keep clean sheets, including six in their last nine fixtures. Opta note that three of England's last four goals against France came in the 86th minute, so if you do back the France clean sheet, consider trading out late on.

England have met France twice before at European Championships, drawing 0-0 in 1992 and losing 1-2 in Euro 2004 (despite leading 1-0 going into injury-time)
The memories of that remarkable France comeback and the earlier insight into England's habit of scoring in the 86th minute against them form the backdrop of an argument for backing the second half of this clash to produce more goals. That bet would have delivered a profit in three of the four 21st century collisions between the countries, each of which featured two strikes after the interval.

Recommended Bets:
Back France to win @ 2.526/4
Back France to keep a clean sheet @ 2.588/5
Back the second half to feature more goals @ 2.3611/8

Click here to read more Opta stats on this encounter