England vs France World Cup prediction, betting odds tips, match preview & lineups World Cup 2026!
England vs France prediction today? In a third-place playoff when England take on France at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, 18 July 2026. This is the match nobody wanted to be in.
Both nations arrived at the World Cup with genuine ambitions of lifting the trophy, only to see those dreams shattered in the semifinals.
France were outclassed by Spain in a chastening 2-0 defeat, the first time all tournament they had looked anything less than invincible.
England, meanwhile, suffered the cruellest of fates, a 2-1 loss to Argentina after leading for much of the game, with two late goals snatching victory from their grasp.
Now, instead of a shot at glory, they face each other for the consolation prize: a bronze medal and the chance to end the tournament on a winning note.
In Miami, under the Florida sun, two wounded giants will try to salvage something from their shattered dreams.
Read on for our England vs France World Cup 2026 prediction for Saturday’s match. Watch & Bet on Football =>
England vs France odds and betting tips (1X2)
What are the England vs France predictions according to the winner odds?
| Odds England vs France 1X2 | ||
| 1 | X | 2 |
| 2.80 | 3.05 | 2.05 |
| Odds England vs France 1X, 12 & X2 | ||
| 1X | 12 | 2X |
| 1.75 | 1.90 | 1.25 |
| Odds Both Teams To Score (BTTS) | ||
| YES | NO | |
| 2.00 | 1.80 | |
| Odds To Score Over/Under 2.5 Goals |
||
| O 2,5 | U 2,5 | |
| 2.20 | 1.65 | |
England vs France betting odds and tips – here is our England vs France predictions, odds and betting tips!
France vs England betting tips? Here are the best England vs France betting odds and our France vs England predictions and betting tips.
Our betting prediction backs France to defeat England in a tight World Cup semifinal at 2.05 with bet365. Below you can read the reasons behind our France vs England betting tips prediction. Watch & Bet on Football =>
England’s World Cup campaign has been defined by resilience and moments of individual brilliance.
🚨 France will face England in the third-place play-off! 🇫🇷🏴
Does anyone care though? pic.twitter.com/ssKKoAz3t9
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) July 15, 2026
Thomas Tuchel’s men knocked out DR Congo, Mexico and Norway en route to the semifinals, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham carrying the attacking burden.
But against Argentina, England’s luck finally ran out. Leading 1-0 for much of the game, they conceded twice in quick succession Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martínez striking late to break English hearts.
The emotional toll of that defeat cannot be underestimated. As one report noted, England were “leading for much of the game” before Argentina’s late comeback.
Now, with nothing but pride on the line, Tuchel may be tempted to rotate and give squad players a run-out but that could weaken an already depleted side.
With France, have been the dominant team of this tournament until their semifinal collapse. Didier Deschamps’ men won all six matches before facing Spain.
Spain exposed France star studded team, dominating possession and scoring twice through Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. It was the first time all tournament France had looked vulnerable.
The key difference between these two sides is attacking depth. France have multiple goal threats Kylian Mbappe has been the player of the tournament with eight goals and three assists.
England have relied heavily on Kane and Bellingham 10 of their 12 goals have come from those two.
With nothing to lose, 3rd-place games are often open and free-flowing, which should suit France’s attacking firepower more than England’s more structured approach.
England vs France Winner Prediction Today
Our England vs France Full Time Result prediction is the France to win at 2.05 with bet365.
| 1 | X | 2 |
| 2.80 | 3.05 | 2.05 |
Odds England vs France Both Teams To Score Goal (BTTS)
What are the best odds on both teams to score goals? We expect both teams to score (BTTS Yes) at around 2.00. Third-place games are notoriously open, with both sides freed from the fear of elimination.
France have scored in every match at this tournament, while England have scored in five of six. The attacking quality on both sides suggests goals at both ends.
| BTTS YES | BTTS NO |
| 2.00 | 1.80 |
Odds France vs England To Score Over/Under 2.5 Goals
What are the best odds on over and under 2.5 goals? We expect over 2.5 goals at around 2.20. Third-place playoffs have historically been high-scoring affairs the last six World Cup third-place matches have averaged over three goals per game.
| Over 2.5 goals | Under 2.5 goals |
| 2.20 | 1.67 |
England vs France Correct Score Prediction
Our England vs France correct score prediction is France to win 3-1 at 13.00 with bet365.
England vs France First Goal Scorer Prediction
Harry Kane, with six goals at this tournament, will be England’s biggest threat.
| England goal scorers | Score | First |
| Harry Kane | 2.60 | 5.00 |
| Jude Bellingham | 3.00 | 5.50 |
| Bukayo Saka | 3.50 | 6.50 |
| Marcus Rashford | 4.00 | 7.50 |
Kylian Mbappé has been France’s talisman at this tournament, with eight goals and three assists.
| France goal scorers | Score | First |
| Kylian Mbappe | 2.20 | 4.00 |
| Ousmane Dembele | 3.15 | 5.50 |
| Michael Olise | 3.50 | 6.00 |
| Bradley Barcola | 4.00 | 6.50 |
Our England vs France first goal scorer prediction is that we expect France captain Kylian Mbappe to score first goal at 4.00 with bet365.
Reasons for England vs France predictions
Here are our reasons for our England vs France prediction and betting tips. France enter this 3rd place as slender 2.05 with bet365 favourites, and it’s easy to see why.
France head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place play-off as slight favourites thanks to their quality across the pitch, attacking star and experience of performing on the biggest stage.
Les Bleus have been one of the tournament’s most entertaining teams, scoring 16 goals in six matches. Their pace and creativity in attack could prove decisive in what is traditionally an open, attacking third-place fixture.
England have also enjoyed an impressive tournament, but much of their attacking output has come through Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have been responsible for the majority of the Three Lions’ goals.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are also dealing with selection concerns ahead of the bronze-medal clash, with Jarrell Quansah suspended and fitness doubts surrounding key midfielders after their emotionally draining semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Another factor favouring France is the extra recovery time. Didier Deschamps’ side played their semi-final a day earlier than England, giving them slightly more time to prepare for the final match of their tournament.
Our England vs France prediction and betting odds tips
Here are our England vs France predictions and betting odds and our betting tips for the weekend match in the World Cup 2026.
| Market | Predictions | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time Result | France Win | 2.05 |
| Both Teams To Score | Yes | 2.00 |
| Over/Under 2.5 Goals | Over 2.5 Goals | 2.20 |
| Correct Score | England 1-3 France | 13.00 |
| First Goalscorer | Kylian Mbappe | 4.00 |
England vs France Head to Head Matches Results, Form & Predicted Lineups
England have faced France 32 times in men’s international football, recording 17 wins, 5 draws, and 10 defeats.
Their first meeting came in 1923, while the most recent was the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final, which France won 2-1.
Here is England vs France Head To Head Results:
| Games won by England: | 17 |
| Games drawn: | 5 |
| Games won by France: | 10 |
England vs France Previous Results
Previous result: 10 Dec 2022 – England v France – L – 1–2 – FIFA World Cup (Quarter-final). Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud scored for France, while Harry Kane converted a penalty for England before missing a late spot-kick as the Three Lions were eliminated in Qatar.
England vs France last five matches
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Jul 2026 | France v England | FIFA World Cup | ||
| 10 Dec 2022 | England v France | L | 1-2 | FIFA World Cup |
| 13 Jun 2017 | France v England | L | 3-2 | International Friendly |
| 17 Nov 2015 | England v France | W | 2-0 | International Friendly |
| 11 Jun 2012 | France v England | D | 1-1 | UEFA European Championship |
| 17 Nov 2010 | England v France | L | 1-2 | International Friendly |
| 26 Mar 2008 | France v England | L | 1-0 | International Friendly |
| 13 Jun 2004 | France v England | L | 2-1 | UEFA European Championship |
| 02 Sep 2000 | France v England | D | 1-1 | International Friendly |
| 10 Feb 1999 | England v France | L | 0-2 | International Friendly |
| 07 Jun 1997 | France v England | W | 0-1 | Tournoi de France |
| 14 Jun 1992 | France v England | D | 0-0 | UEFA European Championship |
| 19 Feb 1992 | England v France | W | 2-0 | International Friendly |
| 29 Feb 1984 | France v England | L | 2-0 | International Friendly |
| 16 Jun 1982 | England v France | W | 3-1 | FIFA World Cup |
| 12 Mar 1969 | England v France | W | 5-0 | International Friendly |
| 20 Jul 1966 | England v France | W | 2-0 | FIFA World Cup |
| 27 Feb 1963 | France v England | L | 5-2 | UEFA European Championship |
| 03 Oct 1962 | England v France | D | 1-1 | UEFA European Championship |
| 27 Nov 1957 | England v France | W | 4-0 | International Friendly |
| 15 May 1955 | France v England | L | 1-0 | International Friendly |
| 03 Oct 1951 | England v France | D | 2-2 | International Friendly |
| 22 May 1949 | France v England | W | 1-3 | International Friendly |
| 03 May 1947 | England v France | W | 3-0 | International Friendly |
| 26 May 1938 | France v England | W | 2-4 | International Friendly |
| 06 Dec 1933 | England v France | W | 4-1 | International Friendly |
| 14 May 1931 | France v England | L | 5-2 | International Friendly |
| 09 May 1929 | France v England | W | 1-4 | International Friendly |
| 17 May 1928 | France v England | W | 1-5 | International Friendly |
| 26 May 1927 | France v England | W | 0-6 | International Friendly |
| 21 May 1925 | France v England | W | 2-3 | International Friendly |
| 17 May 1924 | France v England | W | 1-3 | International Friendly |
| 10 May 1923 | France v England | W | 1-4 | International Friendly |
England last five matches results and recent form
England last 5 matches results and recent form: WWWWL
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Jul 2026 | France v England | FIFA World Cup | ||
| 15 Jul 2026 | England v Argentina | L | 1-2 | FIFA World Cup |
| 11 Jul 2026 | Norway v England | W | 1-2 | FIFA World Cup |
| 05 Jul 2026 | Mexico v England | W | 2-3 | FIFA World Cup |
| 01 Jul 2026 | England v Congo DR | W | 2-1 | FIFA World Cup |
| 27 Jun 2026 | Panama v England | W | 0-2 | FIFA World Cup |
| 23 Jun 2026 | England v Ghana | D | 0-0 | FIFA World Cup |
| 17 Jun 2026 | England v Croatia | W | 4-2 | FIFA World Cup |
France last five matches results and recent form
France last 5 matches results and recent form: WWWWL
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Jul 2026 | France v England | FIFA World Cup | ||
| 14 Jul 2026 | France v Spain | L | 0-2 | FIFA World Cup |
| 09 Jul 2026 | France v Morocco | W | 2-0 | FIFA World Cup |
| 04 Jul 2026 | Paraguay v France | W | 0-1 | FIFA World Cup |
| 30 Jun 2026 | France v Sweden | W | 3-0 | FIFA World Cup |
| 26 Jun 2026 | Norway v France | W | 1-4 | FIFA World Cup |
| 22 Jun 2026 | France v Iraq | W | 3-0 | FIFA World Cup |
| 16 Jun 2026 | France v Senegal | W | 3-1 | FIFA World Cup |
England vs France team formations, predicted starting lineups & possible lineups today (XI)
Here are our England vs France predictions of the team formations and starting 11 lineups for the World Cup 2026 match today. Watch & Bet on Football =>
England team formation (4-2-3-1)
England are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel’s side will look to control possession and use the creativity of Bellingham and the pace of Saka and Rashford to unlock France’s defence, with Kane leading the line.
Jarell Quansah is suspended and will miss the third-place playoff. Jordan Henderson is out with a broken wrist. Declan Rice is a major doubt after struggling with illness and a hamstring issue. With nothing but pride on the line, Tuchel may be tempted to rotate and give squad players a run-out.
France team formation (4-3-3)
France are expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation under Didier Deschamps. Deschamps’ side will look to dominate possession and use the pace and creativity of Mbappé, Dembele and Barcola to overwhelm England’s defence.
With the final out of reach, Deschamps may also rotate, but France’s depth means their second string is still formidable.
England vs France Starting Lineups
Here are the predicted England vs France starting lineups today.
England predicted starting lineup vs France today
England starting lineup XI (11): GK: Jordan Pickford | RB: Reece James | CB: Marc Guéhi | CB: Ezri Konsa | LB: Nico O’Reilly | CM: Elliot Anderson | CM: Kobbie Mainoo | RW: Bukayo Saka | AM: Jude Bellingham | LW: Marcus Rashford | ST: Harry Kane (C)
France predicted starting lineup vs England today
France starting lineup XI (11): GK: Mike Maignan | RB: Jules Koundé | CB: William Saliba | CB: Dayot Upamecano | LB: Lucas Digne | CM: Eduardo Camavinga | CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni | CM: Adrien Rabiot | RW: Ousmane Dembélé | ST: Kylian Mbappé | LW: Bradley Barcola
More about England vs France World Cup predictions 2026
How to watch England vs France? Check in England vs France stream free if you want to watch and bet on the game.
Read more about England vs France predictions at www.fifa.com. Watch & Bet on Football =>
Table of Contents
