France vs England Predictions, Tips and Bet Builder, Saturday 18 July

match preview

France and England meet in the World Cup 2026 third-place playoff on Saturday night, both looking to salvage some pride after heart-breaking semi-final defeats. Didier Deschamps’ final match in charge of France comes after Spain outclassed Les Bleus 2-0 in Dallas, restricting Kylian Mbappe and co to just 0.31 Expected Goals in a performance that even Mbappe publicly criticised. For England, Thomas Tuchel’s side led Argentina 1-0 through Anthony Gordon’s 56th-minute strike before a desperate defensive collapse allowed Lionel Messi to set up two goals and end England’s hopes. Both managers have been criticised for tactical negativity in the semis, which should make for a more open game here. Third-place playoffs have a reputation for goals — the last 10 editions have averaged over three goals per game — and with Mbappe chasing the Golden Boot alongside Messi on the goalscoring charts, neither side will hold back. France have won both previous third-place playoffs under Deschamps’s predecessors (1958 and 1986), while England have lost both of theirs (1990 and 2018). Deschamps will want to bow out on a high, while Tuchel needs a strong performance to quieten growing scrutiny back home.

key stats

• Kylian Mbappe has scored in 4 of France’s 6 World Cup 2026 matches and is joint-top in the Golden Boot race
• Harry Kane has been central to England’s record-breaking 14-goal tournament, their best ever at a single World Cup
• Anthony Gordon scored England’s only goal in the semi-final vs Argentina and has been their most dangerous wide player
• Declan Rice averages over a foul per game for England in competitive international fixtures
• Third-place playoffs have averaged over 3 goals per game across the last 10 editions
• France have not lost successive World Cup matches since 2010
• England have not kept a single knockout clean sheet at the 2026 World Cup
• France have won 17 of their last 21 World Cup matches and lost just 2 of their last 18 internationals
• All four player selections include extra time cover; France or Draw covers 90 minutes

prediction and reasoning

Kylian Mbappe — Shots on Target — France’s all-time leading World Cup appearance-maker has scored in four of six matches this tournament and is level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. Even in the semi-final where Spain restricted France to 0.31 xG, Mbappe remained France’s only genuine threat in the final third. With Deschamps expected to set up more adventurously in his farewell match and third-place games historically open, Mbappe will get opportunities to test goal. Extra time cover adds even more windows for him to shoot on target.

Harry Kane — Shots on Target — England’s captain and all-time leading scorer has been the focal point of a record-breaking England attack that has netted 14 goals at this World Cup — their best ever in a single edition. Kane drops deep to link play and arrive late in the box, creating multiple routes to shots on target. Third-place games suit his game: less defensive structure, more space in the final third, and a manager desperate for a positive result. With extra time included, the window for Kane to register a shot on target is generous.

Anthony Gordon — Shots on Target — The Newcastle winger has been England’s standout attacker in the knockout stages and scored England’s only goal in the semi-final against Argentina. Gordon’s direct running and willingness to shoot from the left channel make him a constant threat, especially against a France defence missing William Saliba to injury and potentially rotating at centre-back. Gordon has earned his place through form and is well positioned to register at least one shot on target in an open third-place game with extra time cover.

Declan Rice — Fouls Committed — England’s midfield anchor consistently averages over a foul per game in competitive internationals. In a third-place playoff where both teams are hurting and pride is on the line, the midfield battle will be physical. Rice’s role involves breaking up play and pressing France’s midfielders — both Kante and Rabiot are experienced players who draw contact. With extra time meaning a longer match window, Rice committing at least one foul is one of the most reliable angles in this bet builder.

France or Draw — Double Chance — France have been the better team throughout this tournament, winning 17 of their last 21 World Cup matches and losing just 2 of their last 18 internationals overall. England, meanwhile, have lost each of their last 7 World Cup knockout ties against top-10 ranked sides and have not kept a single clean sheet in the knockout stages. With France having an extra day to recover and Deschamps motivated for a farewell win, backing France to avoid defeat in regulation time provides essential insurance for the bet builder.

team news & predicted line-ups

France: Didier Deschamps will take charge of his final France match before stepping down. William Saliba is out with a back injury sustained in the first half of the semi-final, with Maxence Lacroix the likely replacement. Ibrahima Konate could displace Dayot Upamecano at centre-back. Backup goalkeeper Brice Samba was injured in training but no change in goal is expected. Kylian Mbappe will lead the line fresh from becoming France’s all-time World Cup appearance-maker.

England: Thomas Tuchel is expected to stick with a strong XI despite the consolation nature of the fixture. Reece James is out with a muscular problem, meaning Djed Spence will continue at right-back. Jarell Quansah is available again after suspension but Dan Burn or Ezri Konsa are likely to partner Marc Guehi at centre-back. Anthony Gordon retains his place after scoring the semi-final goal. Jordan Henderson (wrist) remains sidelined. Jude Bellingham is expected to play despite an off-field incident in the aftermath of the Argentina defeat.

faq

When is France vs England? The World Cup 2026 third-place playoff between France and England kicks off at 22:00 BST (British Summer Time) on Saturday 18 July 2026.

Where is France vs England being played? The match takes place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, USA.

Who is the referee for France vs England? The referee is Jesus Valenzuela from Venezuela. He handed a total of 17 cards in all FIFA Competitions.

What are the odds for France vs England? Our 5.00 bet builder combines Kylian Mbappe (1+ shots on target), Harry Kane (1+ shots on target), Anthony Gordon (1+ shots on target), Declan Rice (1+ foul committed) and France or Draw double chance — all available at bet365.

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