France vs England Prediction & Betting Tips | 18 July 2026

Match Preview

France and England are set to battle it out for third place at the Hard Rock Stadium in a significant World Cup 2026 fixture, with both nations aiming to end their campaigns on a positive note following semi-final disappointments. Given England's dejected mood after a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat to Argentina, we're anticipating a 3-1 victory for the home side. France, who put in a below-par performance in their 2-0 loss to Spain, may see Didier Deschamps shuffle his pack. William Saliba is a serious doubt due to a back injury picked up in the semi-final, with Maxence Lacroix likely to step in at centre-back. Theo Hernandez is in the running to take over from Lucas Digne at left-back, who found things tough against Spain, and Manu Kone and Rayan Cherki are also vying for starting spots. Despite their semi-final exit, Les Bleus have been a formidable force throughout the competition, securing victories in eight of their last ten outings, averaging 2.3 goals scored and shipping just 0.8. England, on the other hand, were left devastated after conceding twice late on in their dramatic 2-1 semi-final reverse against Argentina. The Three Lions were heading for extra time before their late capitulation, and morale could be a factor heading into this third-place play-off. Reece James is still a question mark, though Jarell Quansah returns following a suspension. England have also had a strong tournament overall, winning seven of their last ten matches and conceding an average of 0.9 goals per game, but that late collapse against Argentina might have taken its toll both physically and mentally. France have emerged victorious in two of the last three encounters between these two countries, and with what appears to be a deeper squad and the expectation of fresh legs, they look to be in a strong position to recover. Les Bleus boast superior squad depth and should react positively after their semi-final disappointment. Consequently, we're inclined to back a Home Win. Furthermore, the Over 24.5 shots and Over 2.5 goals markets catch our eye (France average 3.1 total goals per match, and two of the last three head-to-head contests saw at least three goals scored). This World Cup 2026 clash is scheduled for Saturday 18 July 2026, kicking off at 22:00.

France Team Form and Stats

France's performance across their last ten outings in all competitions shows a strong W L W W W W W W W L record, yielding 2.40 points on average. At home, their form is L W W W W W L, securing 2.14 points per game, while their away record stands at W W W, averaging a superb 3.00 points.

Their overall win rate is an impressive 80%, with a 71% success rate on home soil and a perfect 100% on the road. France are netting an average of 3.10 goals per game overall, with 3.00 at home and 3.33 away. They're scoring 2.30 goals per match on average across all games, 2.14 at home and 2.67 away. Defensively, they're conceding 0.80 goals per game generally, 0.86 at home, and just 0.67 away. Both teams to score has occurred in 50% of their overall matches, 43% at home, and 67% away. They've kept a clean sheet in 40% of their games overall, 43% at home, and 33% away. France have failed to score in 10% of their overall matches, 14% at home, and 0% away. Their Expected Goals (xG) for the season are 2.04 overall, 2.11 at home, and 1.88 away. They are allowing an Expected Goals Against (xGA) of 0.83 overall, 0.73 at home, and 1.06 away.

England Team Form and Stats

Looking at England's performance over their last 10 outings across all tournaments, they've accumulated 2.20 points on average per game overall. Their home record shows a stronger showing, averaging 1.86 points, while their away form is particularly impressive, yielding 3.00 points per match.

In terms of win percentage, England have been victorious in 70% of their last 10 games overall. This figure stands at 57% for matches played at home and a perfect 100% for their away fixtures.

Their goal-scoring record is also robust, with an average of 2.70 goals per game in all competitions. At home, this averages 2.43 goals, while on the road, they've been even more prolific, scoring an average of 3.33 goals. They've managed to score an average of 1.80 goals per game overall, 1.57 at home, and 2.33 away. Defensively, they've conceded 0.90 goals per game overall, 0.86 at home, and 1.00 away.

Both Teams To Score has occurred in 50% of their last 10 matches overall, 43% at home, and 67% away. England have kept clean sheets in 40% of their games overall, 43% at home, and 33% away. They've failed to score in 20% of their overall matches, 29% at home, and 0% away.

Their Expected Goals (xG) have been calculated at 1.95 overall, 2.10 at home, and 1.59 away. Conversely, their Expected Goals Against (xGA) are 1.02 overall, 0.77 at home, and 1.62 away.

France vs England Head to Head Statistics (H2H)

France have been victorious in 67% of their last 3 matches, with 2 wins and 0 draws. They've hit over 1.5 goals in all 3 of those games, over 2.5 in 2 out of 3, and over 3.5 in 1 out of 3. Both teams have scored in 2 of France's last 3 outings, with clean sheets recorded in 33% of those.

England's record in their last 3 matches shows 1 win and 0 draws, accounting for 33% of their results. They've achieved over 1.5 goals in all 3 games, over 2.5 in 2 out of 3, and over 3.5 in 1 out of 3. Both teams have scored in 67% of England's recent games, and they've kept 0% clean sheets.

France vs England Head-to-Head:

10 December 2022: England 1 - 2 France

13 June 2017: France 3 - 2 England

17 November 2015: England 2 - 0 France