France vs England prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
On July 19, 2026, the World Cup will host the third-place match between the national teams of France and England. It’s the "consolation final" that’s rarely coveted by either side.
France vs England: Team News and Expert Analysis
As it turns out, France has been playing worse at every World Cup under Deschamps. In 2018, they claimed the title; in Qatar, they lost a tense final to Argentina on penalties. This time, after a string of victories, the tournament favorites were beaten 0-2 by Spain in the semi-finals. Now, they have only one goal left: to try to win Didier’s last match as head coach.
England, under their new manager Tuchel, delivered a flawless performance in last year’s qualifiers. Overall, they did well at the World Cup, failing to win only against Ghana and, in the quarter-finals, Norway—where they lost 1-2 in extra time after a hard-fought battle. Notably, Bellingham scored a brace in that game but reportedly clashed with the coach afterward, who was dissatisfied with the overall team performance. It’s anyone’s guess what the atmosphere is like following the semi-final, where England tried to protect a 1-0 lead but conceded twice after the 85th minute, losing to a bitter rival like Argentina.
The 2024 World Cup runners-up are currently scoring an average of 2.3 goals per match, conceding 0.8. Their neighbors and old rivals score 1.8 goals per game, conceding exactly half as many, at 0.9.
Recent Matches: France vs England
In the last seven head-to-head meetings, France has won five times (including the last two), losing only once.
All arguments, from overall form to motivation, favor France. They are likely to defeat their rivals again (odds – 2.03).
France vs England: Key Stats and Trends
- France has won seven straight matches following a semi-final setback
- 50% of France’s matches end with both teams scoring; the average total goals per match is 3.1
- England has failed to win in regulation time in two consecutive matches
- 50% of England’s matches end with both teams scoring; the average total goals per match is 2.7
France vs England: Probable Starting Lineups
France’s likely formation is 1-4-2-3-1: Maignan – Hernandez, Lacroix, Upamecano, Koundé – Rabiot, Tchouaméni – Barcola, Olise, Dembélé – Mbappé. Saliba was injured in the semi-final.
England’s likely formation is 1-4-2-3-1: Pickford – Spence, Guehi, Stones, Quansah – Anderson, Rice – Gordon, Bellingham, Rodgers – Kane. James is doubtful, while Livramento and Henderson are ruled out.
Follow the World Cup standings and keep track of your team’s form before betting on the next match.
