England vs France Predictions, Odds & Best Bets: Saturday, July 18 World Cup Match
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Both England and France have one match remaining at the 2026 World Cup. But it’s not the match either would have hoped for.
Today's third-place match is a disappointing consolation prize for both nations. As my England vs. France predictions explain, it’s also why the favored French are far better suited to pick up medals.
Here are my World Cup picks for their match in Miami at 5 p.m. ET on July 18.
England vs France predictions
PickPriceWho will win pick: France-103Over/Under pick: Over 3.5+117 TOP PICK
Who will win England vs France: France in regulation (-103)
It’s coming home. And by “it”, I mean the England plane without a trophy, just like we’ve seen from every major tournament now for the past 60 years.
But while England has suffered heartbreak and disappointment before, it’s usually not accompanied by an extra match. Manager Thomas Tuchel publicly admitted that none of his players want to be a part of this fixture, and he claimed the French players don’t either.
While he might be right, France is in a far better position. It’s why they’re favored to come out the victors, with -170 odds at Kalshi.
Not only do they have an extra day’s worth of rest, but they also lack the fitness concerns of the Three Lions. Tuchel would rightly face criticism for risking the likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Reece James, and others who are banged up with the Premier League season just a month away.
Additionally, England’s injury concerns are exacerbated by a lack of depth at fullback and in midfield. After three grueling matches, one of which went to extra time, they’ll likely have a few players forced to play through both physical and emotional fatigue.
Add in the fact that this is the final match for manager Didier Deschamps, and France have some motivation beyond simply being the better team and better suited to win.
Playable to -120.
England vs France Over/Under pick: Over 3.5 (+114)
Both of these nations have the pace to effectively attack directly, and we’re likely to see a fair amount of that here.
As I mentioned, the club campaigns start soon. With that in mind, it’s unlikely you’ll see defenders putting in the same sort of challenges or tracking runs with the gusto they would in the final or a knockout match.
Additionally, the amount of rotation I’m expecting means we’ll see some defensive pairings with little cohesion or familiarity. This typically leads to a higher-scoring affair.
Looking at individual talent, France’s “backup” forwards are still world-class players capable of scoring at any time. On the flip side, their likely defensive starters—especially Ibrahim Konate and Theo Hernandez—are prone to making mistakes.
Part of my expectation for France to win is that they’re a strong candidate to bag three goals. Their attacking quality and depth against an exhausted and drained England side will be enough.
With the Three Lions getting at least one of their own, it gives us a great shot to hit the Over at plus-money.
Back this to +105.
England vs France projected lineup
England (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Spence, Chalobah, Burn, O’Reilly; Mainoo, Anderson; Madueke, Eze, Rashford; Watkins.
France (4-2-3-1): Samba; Gusto, Lacroix, Konate, Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Kante; Doue, Cherki, Thuram; Mbappe.
England vs France injuries
England: CM Declan Rice (Doubtful), RW Bukayo Saka (Doubtful), CM Jordan Henderson (Out).
France: CB William Saliba (Out).
England vs France weather
It will feel like it’s 100 degrees at kickoff, with winds between 12-21 mph and no chance of rain.
England vs France odds
EnglandFrance+295Moneyline-106+280Draw+280Over 3.5 (+117)TotalUnder 3.5 (-122)Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch England vs France
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
LocationHard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FLDateSaturday, July 18, 2026Time5 p.m. ETTVFOXOdds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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