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France vs England Predictions - France to secure third place

john-eastwood
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Last updated: 3 hours ago

France and England face off in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff after both endured semi-final defeats, exposing defensive frailties. Key player Kylian Mbappe remains a consistent scoring threat for France, while England's recent matches have been high on goals, with both teams often on the scoresheet. Predicted lineups show some injury and suspension concerns for both sides. Expect an attacking contest in Miami and consider bets on 'Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals' and Mbappe as a likely scorer.

John Eastwood 3 hours ago
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  • Both teams have shown defensive weaknesses, expect goals.
  • Mbappe is in great scoring form with 8 goals in 7 games.
  • Predicted open contest with BTTS & over 2.5 goals likely.
France's Kylian Mbappe has scored 8 goals in his last 7 games (Getty)

France vs England Predicitons


France and England were unconvincing defensively in their semi-finals and goals are anticipated in Miami. Mbappe is a huge attacking threat for Les Blues and can find the net against the leaky Three Lions. 

  • France’s Kylian Mbappe has scored 8 goals in his last 7 games.
  • England have seen BTTS in 4 consecutive matches.
  • England have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 4 games. 

Head to Head


England have a 17-10 advantage against France, alongside four draws. 

The sides have seen eight total goals across their last two meetings, with France winning 2-1 at the 2022 World Cup.

France Form


Didier Deschamps will take charge of his final French National Team game against England on Saturday. 

Deschamps led France to the 2026 World Cup semi-final following six consecutive wins and 16 goals scored. Kylian Mbappe scored eight times during Les Blues’ run to the final four.

The European side navigated past Sweden 3-0, Paraguay 1-0 and Morocco 2-0 to reach the semi-finals. France had over 3XG in two of those knockout matches.

Les Blues’ 2026 World Cup ended with a 2-0 loss to Spain on Tuesday. Deschamps’ side allowed 1.63 XG, conceded after 22 minutes and let in a late second. 

England Form


England successfully progressed from Group L at the 2026 World Cup after beating Croatia 4-2 and Panama 2-0. Those victories came either side of a nervy 0-0 stalemate with Ghana.

The Three Lions were unconvincing in the knockout rounds. They came from behind the beat DR Congo 2-1 and held off Mexico in a 3-2 victory in the round of 16.

Thomas Tuchel’s side also came back to draw 1-1 with Norway in the quarter-finals after going 1-0 down. Jude Bellingham’s brace completed the 2-1 comeback win after extra time.

England were eliminated from the World Cup at the semi-final stage following a 2-1 defeat against Argentina. Anthony Gordon struck on 55 minutes before England allowed 1.59 XG and conceded twice in the final 15 minutes. 

France vs England Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News


France (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konate, Maxence Lacroix, Theo Hernandez; Manu Kone, Warren Zaire-Emery; Rayan Cherki, Michael Olise, Desire Doue; Kylian Mbappe

William Saliba came off with a back injury against Spain. The centre-back is expected to be out for four to five months.

Before coming off in the semi-final, Saliba said, "I can't take it anymore. My back is dead."

England (4-2-3-1): Dean Henderson; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly; Kobbie Mainoo, Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane

Right back Jarell Quansah is available for selection after serving his two-match suspension. 

Midfielder Jordan Henderson is unavailable due to a broken wrist. 

Verdict

France and England have been high-scoring at the 2026 World Cup and both sides have defensive weaknesses. Goals are likely in the third-place play-off and Mbappe is tipped to find the net.

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