One of the highlights of the group stage is scheduled for Friday night as the Netherlands meet France.
Netherlands vs France odds
Find the latest match odds for Netherlands vs France prediction. All odds are provided by our best-reviewed football betting sites. Odds are subject to change.
⚡Quick Netherlands vs France betting tips
Netherlands vs France predictions
As soon as the draw for the Euro 2024 group stage was made, this fixture stood out. The Netherlands and France both have ambitions of going all the way this summer, and Friday’s contest gives us a chance to see the pair butt heads with three points on the line.
Both teams got off to winning starts on matchday one. The Netherlands came from a goal down to beat Poland 2-1, with Wout Weghorst coming off the bench to notch a late winner.
France were also triumphant by a slender margin. A Max Wober own goal was the only one that was scored in their game against Austria, who gave les Bleus plenty to think about.
The biggest talking point after the match was not France’s win but an injury suffered by Kylian Mbappe. After a collision in the Austrian penalty area, the superstar forward went down clutching his face. He had to be taken off and scans later confirmed that Mbappe had broken his nose.
Needless to say, that is bad news for France. The hope is that the attacker will still be fit to play a part in Germany, but it is hard to see him returning before the round of 16 at the absolute earliest. Mbappe will certainly not be available for this clash in Leipzig.
Mbappe was not at his very best last time out. He missed what was, by his standards, an easy one-on-one opportunity, extending his wait for a first goal at a European Championship.
Even so, Mbappe was still the man who looked most likely to make an impact in the final third. Indeed, he was the author of a tricky piece of play down the right that led to Wober’s own goal. France are a poorer outfit without him in it.
Can the Netherlands take advantage of Mbappe’s absence on Friday night, or will Didier Deschamps’ side find a way to win? A victory would send either team through with a game to spare, a prize very much worth fighting for.
Netherlands vs France betting tips
The Netherlands and France will go head-to-head in a top-of-the-table clash in Group D.
Netherlands or draw – 8/13 (VBET)
It would be wrong to describe France as a one-man team. They arguably have the strongest squad in the tournament, with a group of attackers that in addition to Mbappe includes Randal Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram, Olivier Giroud, Kingsley Coman and more.
Yet France’s system has been built to get the best out of Mbappe. Deschamps has a tendency towards caution. He has always ensured his team has a solid foundation to build from.
Euro 2024 Free Bet Offers
Claim all the best free bet offers for Euro 2024
Claim Free Bets here
18+ gambleaware.org T&Cs Apply
In the attacking part of the pitch, as is common in the international game, France do not have elaborate routines or patterns. It is instead a case of their star men (and usually Mbappe) being given the freedom to produce a moment of magic.
Without the 25-year-old, the Netherlands will be much more confident of keeping France’s attack quiet. The centre-back partnership comprising Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij is a solid one anyway. The Dutch can avoid defeat by the joint-favourites.
⚽ Choose a Netherlands win or draw at 8/13 with VBET ⚽
Under 2.5 goals – 13/16 (VBET)
A draw would not be a bad result for either team here and you have to wonder how much Deschamps and Ronald Koeman will be willing to go all-out for victory if the score is level midway through the second half.
Deschamps is by nature a pragmatic tactician, but he will adopt even more of a defence-first mindset now that Mbapppe is out. France’s priority will be to keep things tight at the back before hitting the Netherlands on the break.
On the other side of the coin, we will see just how adept this Dutch team is at prising open a top-class backline.
They created plenty of chances against Poland, but this is obviously a much tougher test of their attacking credentials.
Everything suggests this will be an enjoyable game to watch, but that does not mean it will be full of goals.
⚽ Back under 2.5 goals at 13/16 with VBET ⚽
Wout Weghorst to score any time – 16/5 (Betfred)
Koeman has a decision to make at the top of the pitch.
Memphis Depay was disappointing as the line-leader against Poland. In the clash with France, his manager may be tempted to use him as a second striker or out wide in order to accommodate Weghorst.
The one-time Manchester United frontman is a pain to play against. He has a habit of changing games from the bench: many will remember his remarkable impact as a substitute against Argentina at the last World Cup.
Weghorst is not the prettiest footballer, but he provides the Dutch with a focal point. That could be particularly useful given France’s centre-backs are both strong and physical. Weghorst will be able to compete with Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba.
Even if he does not start, we should see him get a fair few minutes off the bench.
⚽ Tip Wout Weghorst to score any time at 16/5 with Betfred ⚽
How to watch Netherlands vs France
- Location: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany.
- Date and time: Friday 21st June, 8pm.
- How to watch: BBC One.
Read more about Euro 2024
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
News Summary:
- Netherlands vs France predictions, odds and betting tips
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.