France vs. England Prediction: World Cup Picks & Best Bets For the Third-Place Game (July 18)

My France vs. England prediction in the battle for third place digs into one of the most difficult questions you can pose: do either of these teams actually care if they win? A huge disappointment for both to not be playing in the final and instead meeting at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday. Will the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., and those tuning in on FOX, Telemundo, and FOX One actually get a show worth watching?

As part of our World Cup best bets, I'm going to give my best choice for the winner and find a couple of props to round out our betting card as we sadly inch toward the end of the tournament for four more years.

⚽ France vs. England predictions: Pick to win & player prop bets

See all of our experts' soccer picks across the best World Cup betting sites.

⚽ Who will win France vs. England?

This is an incredibly difficult game to handicap because it's hard to know what exactly the motivations of either side will be. Both teams will have felt well positioned to reach the final and win it all. England manager Thomas Tuchel told reporters, "None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match." 

That said, there are reasons to believe that France will come out on top. They enter with the stronger resume, besting England in expected goals (2.29 xG vs. 2.00 xG), defensive suppression (0.78 xGA vs. 0.92 xGA, 6.9 shots allowed vs. 11.4 shots allowed), shot differential (17.1 vs. 14.1) and territorial control (12.1 box touches allowed vs. 20.6 box touches allowed). Both teams are expected to rotate heavily, but these underlying numbers still favor a Les Bleus victory. 

Score prediction: France 2, England 1

🦶 Who will score in France vs. England?

Follow all of our expert soccer betting analysis for the 2026 World Cup.

Rayan Cherki, M, France (+240)

Mbappe's line of -150 is a bit too heavy for him, so I'm going to seek value in a player that hasn't had much action in the World Cup. Cherki has acted in a substitute role for the entire tournament, but he's expected to start as an attacking midfielder against England. Cherki has just two starts for the national team with shot stats recorded (he has a couple more in friendlies where shots aren't recorded), notching two shots and four shots in those two games. 

The Manchester City man is a flashy player who netted seven last season for his domestic side. He's not afraid to shoot, and he loves the glory. In a game where defenders aren't likely going to be putting it all on the line, he'll have his chances.

Best France vs. England goal-scorer pick: Rayan Cherki (+240 via bet365) 

🥅 Will both teams score in France vs. England?

The actual bet here is a little heavy, clocking in the -225 range for the "yes," so actually laying money is here for me will be a pass. I'd be tempted in the value in the -150 range. 

But it does go to show just how little is expected from defensive resistance on each side, and how adept these two teams are offensively. With little motivation, and domestic leagues just weeks away, no one will want to risk injury while playing in what many players will see as a game they'd rather not play. 

Should be a busy day for the goaltenders, and both teams will have cause to celebrate.

Both teams to score (BTTS) pick: Yes (-225 via bet365)

📊 France vs. England odds

We're tracking the latest World Cup odds and favorites to win this year's tournament.

📺 How to watch France vs. England

• Date: Saturday, July 18
• Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
• Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Fla.)
• TV: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One