France vs. England: Bold Predictions for Pivotal Group Stage Battle

Group stage matches aren't always as intriguing as knockout rounds, but France versus England isn't going to disappoint. 

Not only does this match feature two of the top international squads in the world, there are plenty of underlining storylines that add to the suspense.

Wayne Rooney is suspended and will miss the game. England must just avoid implosion while it waits for its star to return.

France, meanwhile, is trying to rebound from the debacle that was the 2008 World Cup. 

These are two of the most interesting squads in this tournament. Both could explode and fail to make it out of the group stage, while both could just as easily make a deep run. And we get to watch them battle it out for early position in Group D.

Here's a look at bold predictions for the pivotal, early matchup. 

Danny Welbeck scores

I honestly have no idea how Roy Hodgson will fill out his lineup. And with Wayne Rooney out for the first two games, I have even less of an idea who he will put on the field.

For the sake of a prediction, I'm going with Danny Welbeck. 

The 22-year-old was very productive when he got the nod with Manchester United, scoring nine times and assisting four more in just 23 appearances. 

England is going to sit back at the edge of France's box and push up in the counter attack. Welbeck won't get a ton of chances, but they'll be good ones likely on the break.

I'm guessing he finishes one. 

France responds in unusual fashion

Like I mentioned earlier, England will likely be sitting back, just trying to weather the storm. If they manage to score first, then they'll sit back even more.

While that will make things tough for the French, it also means they will control possession and spend a lot of time near their box.

That means lots of corners, and I think they'll score off one.

As for the goal scorer, I'll go with Laurent Koscielny (6'1", three goals on the season) or Adil Rami (6'3", two goals) to be the one to head it in. 

Both teams advance from the group

After ending in a draw, both teams will go into their next matches with more intensity, aggression and a sense of urgency.

I think they'll both knock off Ukraine and Sweden. France, however, will win the group on goal differential. 

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