France and England meet in the Third-Place Play-Off at World Cup 2026.
It is a game no nation really wants to be a part of, with semi-final disappointment still fresh in the mind.
But the lack of jeopardy attached to the fixture should help provide some entertainment at the Miami Stadium on Saturday evening.
Oh and lest we forget, it is also Didier Deschamps’ final game as France manager after 14 years in charge!
We have previewed the bronze-medal match in full below, picking out some sports betting tips based on NetBet’s latest World Cup odds.
And when you place a qualifying £10+ bet on France vs England, you will receive a 100% Profit Boost Token to use on Spain vs Argentina thanks to our latest offer.
Where can I watch France vs England in the UK?
France vs England will be broadcast live on BBC One, with kick-off scheduled for 10pm UK time.
France vs England Preview
Recent results
France were comprehensively outplayed in their semi-final tie vs Spain, with Les Bleus losing 2-0 courtesy of goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
England’s semi-final clash against Argentina ended in heartbreak. Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions a second-half lead, but Thomas Tuchel’s bizarre substitutions and defensive tactics allowed the South Americans to come roaring back into the contest. Lionel Messi turned the screw, assisting the late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to secure a 2-1 win for La Albiceleste.
Head-to-head record
These two nations have met 32 times previously, with England boasting 17 wins and France 10.
But it was France who claimed the victory in the most recent clash. Les Bleus won 2-1 in the World Cup 2022 quarter-finals thanks to a late header from Olivier Giroud, a match perhaps best remembered for Harry Kane’s failure to equalise from the penalty spot right at the death.
Team news
Key centre-back William Saliba is unavailable for France after suffering a back injury vs Spain, so Maxcence Lacroix should start alongside Dayot Upamecano. Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki are options to come in and freshen up the attack.
Jordan Henderson is the only guaranteed injury absentee for England, though Reece James and Declan Rice are unlikely to feature after nursing knocks throughout the tournament. Bukayo Saka’s failure to come off the bench vs Argentina might rule him out of contention here too.
France vs England Odds
*All odds are subject to change
France are big favourites to claim the bronze medal at World Cup 2026, priced at 1.85 to claim the win. A victory for England is at odds of 3.76, while the draw after 90 minutes is 3.71.
France vs England Betting Tips
Anytime goalscorer – Kylian Mbappe @ 1.79
The World Cup trophy is out of reach for another four years, but Mbappe can still challenge Messi in the all-time scoring charts. France’s mercurial skipper is on 20 goals, just one behind Argentina’s main man. With England’s defence looking shaky at best throughout the tournament, Mbappe can fill his boots in Miami.
Kylian Mbappe to have over 2.5 shots on target @ 3.00
Prior to the defeat vs Spain, Mbappe had been a machine in terms of generating shots on target. The Real Madrid man has recorded 19 SOT from his first seven appearances at the tournament, an average close to three per game. Over to you, Kylian.
Player to score or assist – Harry Kane @ 1.93
This could very well be Kane’s last appearance on the World Cup stage, given the England skipper is now 32 years of age. He will want to go out with a bang, and has seven goal contributions in as many World Cup 2026 appearances. Oh and he did score – as well as miss – from the penalty spot the last time the sides locked horns in 2022.
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