Hard Rock Stadium will host the 2026 World Cup third-place playoffs as France and England lock horns in a blockbuster clash, with both sides eager to finish the tournament on a high after suffering disappointing semi-final defeats. As England are low on spirits following a heart-breaking 2-1 loss to Argentina, we predict a 3-1 home win. France failed to impress in a 2-0 loss to Spain, prompting Didier Deschamps to consider several changes to his starting XI. William Saliba is a major doubt after sustaining a back injury in the semi-finals, with Maxence Lacroix expected to deputise in central defence. Theo Hernandez is pushing to replace Lucas Digne at left-back after Digne struggled against Spain, while Manu Kone and Rayan Cherki are also in contention for starting roles. Despite the setback, Les Bleus have been outstanding throughout the tournament, winning eight of their last ten matches while averaging 2.3 goals per game and conceding just 0.8.
England, meanwhile, were left heartbroken after conceding two late goals in a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals. The Three Lions looked on course for extra time before their collapse, and confidence could be an issue heading into the third-place play-off. Reece James remains doubtful, although Jarell Quansah is available again after serving a suspension. England have also enjoyed an excellent tournament overall, winning seven of their last ten matches and conceding only 0.9 goals per game, but their late collapse against Argentina may have taken both a physical and mental toll. France have won two of the last three meetings between the nations, and with greater squad depth and fresh legs expected, they look well placed to bounce back.
Les Bleus possess greater squad depth and should respond strongly after the semi-final defeat. Therefore, we are tempted to bet on Home Win. Additionally, Over 24.5 shots and Over 2.5 goals markets seem appealing (France average 3.1 total goals per match, while two of the previous three H2H encounters produced at least three goals).
This World Cup 2026 match will be played on Saturday 18 July 2026 at 22:00.
What is our France vs England prediction?
Our prediction for this match: France 3 - 1 England
France vs England Betting Tips
- Shots on Target (Home): Over 7.5
- Shots on Target (Away): Over 2.5
- Shots on Target (Total): Over 9.5
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View OfferFrance Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | wlwwwwwwwl | 2.40 |
| Home | lwwwwwl | 2.14 |
| Away | www | 3.00 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 80% | 71% | 100% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 3.10 | 3.00 | 3.33 |
| Scored | 2.30 | 2.14 | 2.67 |
| Conceded | 0.80 | 0.86 | 0.67 |
| BTTS | 50% | 43% | 67% |
| Clean Sheets | 40% | 43% | 33% |
| Failed to Score | 10% | 14% | 0% |
| Expected Goals | 2.04 | 2.11 | 1.88 |
| Expected Goals Against | 0.83 | 0.73 | 1.06 |
England Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | lwwwdwwwwl | 2.20 |
| Home | lwwwdwl | 1.86 |
| Away | www | 3.00 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 70% | 57% | 100% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 2.70 | 2.43 | 3.33 |
| Scored | 1.80 | 1.57 | 2.33 |
| Conceded | 0.90 | 0.86 | 1.00 |
| BTTS | 50% | 43% | 67% |
| Clean Sheets | 40% | 43% | 33% |
| Failed to Score | 20% | 29% | 0% |
| Expected Goals | 1.95 | 2.10 | 1.59 |
| Expected Goals Against | 1.02 | 0.77 | 1.62 |
France vs England Head to Head Statistics (H2H)
France (67%)
3 Matches
England (33%)
