The Euros 2022 with the most highly anticipated international friendly this weekend as France welcomes Wales. The match schedules for Wednesday at Allianz Riviera in Nice, with kickoff at 10:05 pm.
Les Blues booked a ticket for the summer tournament after successfully finishing on top of Group H. On the other hand, Wales took a second spot finish in Group E to make the Euros for the second consecutive time.
The glory days for the 2018 World Cup win start to fade as Deschamps focuses on finding their glory in Euros 2020. It was a successful qualification campaign with only a surprise 2-0 loss to Turkey and 1-1 draw to Crescent-Starts representing only two blips.
Moreover, France finished on top of Group H while amassing eight wins in the run to book a spot in the tournament. Deschamps has much to revenge for following their 2016 finals loss that tainted another perfect campaign.
The buildup to the Euros 2020 got off to a high note following the call-up of Karim Benzema to the starting lineup after five years of no action. Additionally, Deschamps already has a finals stage in the Nations League.
On the other hand, Robert Pages took over from Ryan Giggs, who expects to face trial for alleged assault charges. It remains a lot of work for Pages to repeat the side’s good run in the 2016 run that ended in the semi-finals.
France vs. Wales Head to Head
Both sides have one match against each other, with France taking the win while Wales without a win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Bosnia 0-1 France
- Kazakhstan 0-2 France
- France 1-1 Ukraine
- France 4-2 Sweden
- Portugal 0-1 France
Away
- Wales 1-0 Czech Republic
- Wales 1-0 Mexico
- Belgium 3-1 Wales
- Wales 3-1 Finland
- Wales 1-0 Ireland
France Team News
The return of Karim Benzema changes the attacking dynamics for Deschamps, who partners alongside Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. Ex-Lille skipper Mike Maignan might step in favor of ex-Fulham loanee Alphonse Areola. We expect a youthful splash with Jules Koune looking to earn his first callup.
Wales Team News
Pages might start a solid attacking side on the final third with Gareth Bale, Harry Wilson, and Keiffer Moore earn possible starts this week. There are injury concerns in the backline with both Ben Davies and Ampadu risks.
Prediction and Odds
We expect a high goal-scoring encounter this time, especially with Deschamps looking to reshuffle the side.
- France Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Benzema to Score
