The history of football between France and England dates back more than a century. Their first meeting was in May 1923. The rivalry has been characterized by hotly contested meetings and memorable moments. Both the nation’s have had 31 matchups in a variety of competitions, including friendly matches, WC games, and European Championships. So without further ado, here is England National Football Team Vs France National Football Team stats.
The Numbers Game
The historical superiority of England over France in this rivalry is highlighted by their 17 victories in 31 international encounters. From the very first match in 1923 to the most recent competitive match at the 2012 European Championships, the statistics show a competitive and resilient history.
Memorable Encounters: 1966 and Euro 2004
England’s memorable 2-0 win in the 1966 World Cup and France’s thrilling 2-1 victory in the 2004 European Championship stand out as defining moments in the history of their rivalry. Zinedine Zidane’s stoppage-time heroics in the latter match remain etched in memory as one of the most iconic instances in the England vs. France football saga.
Recent Battles: France’s Quarter-Final Triumph (2022)
On December 12, 2022, during the World Cup quarterfinals, England and France faced off in the latest match. After a fiercely contested encounter, France prevailed 2-1. France had the chance to go to the next round as Harry Kane missed a vital penalty kick in the match.
England VS France – This penalty. pic.twitter.com/048pqNTQBJ
— AFCRambo (@AFCRams) December 15, 2023
Historical Context
England and France have a long-standing and intense rivalry. This dates back to the Hundred Years’ War and the Middle Ages. This rivalry extends beyond the football field. Historical conflicts and political climates have shaped football matches, giving each match a deeper dimension.
Read more: An epic history between Germany and France
England and France’s football rivalry is proof of the persistent nature of competitiveness in the sport, driven by subtle historical, cultural, and political factors. There is historical weight and significance associated with every match, regardless of how long ago it occurred or how recently. England and France play more than just a football match; their intense interactions demonstrate that this is more than just a game of football between two teams; it’s a battle of histories and a quest for domination on the pitch. Thus is the history between England national football team vs France national football team stats.
