Two of Europe's heavyweights and traditional rivals meet in Miami for the consolation prize neither wanted.

England and France arrive at this Third Place Playoff nursing semi-final heartbreak, and while the trophy has passed them by, national pride, tournament bonuses and a top three finish at a home-hemisphere World Cup are all still on the table.

This is a rivalry that needs no introduction. These sides last locked horns at the 2022 quarter-finals in Qatar, where France edged a classic 2-1. 

Four years on, the personnel has evolved, but the tactical chess match between two remains and with two of the deepest squads in world football on display, this promises to be another cracker. 

Expect rotation, expect goals, and expect a few players auditioning for future starting spots to leave everything on the pitch.

Also, to celebrate the momentous occasion that is the World Cup, Sportsbet is bringing back its exclusive Super Sub feature!

How does Super Sub work? Well, it’s very simple. Place a bet on select player markets throughout the Men’s World Cup and if that player is subbed off your bet rolls over to the new player that replaced them.

For example, if you’ve bet on Harry Kane to score during this game and he fails to do so and is directly substituted for Ollie Watkins who ends up scoring instead, your original bet on Kane is paid as a winner! 

Super Sub is not exclusive to goalscoring markets either, it also applies to anytime assist, player to win one or more fouls, shots on target and more, just make sure to read all the T&Cs before locking in your bet.

Now back to the action! For the latest betting tips and analysis ahead of this Third Place Playoff at the World Cup, check out our England vs France tips and predictions below.

France vs England Predictions

Head-to-Head Prediction

France have generally had the wood over England in recent tournament meetings, specifically the last World Cup when they sent the Poms packing in the last eight.

With a squad blessed in nearly every position, they enter as the clear favourites in the win-draw-win market.

That being said, third-place playoffs are notoriously unpredictable. Motivation swings wildly depending on how each side processed their semi-final exit, and rotation almost always plays a part.

England's depth in wide areas and set-piece threat gives them a genuine chance if they can weather an early French storm. 

With rotation likely to be rife for both sides, it’s hard to make a call in games like this because who knows who will play. 

That makes us lean towards the side with more depth and that is definitely France, who are easily the deepest squad in the entire tournament. 

England also bowed out in a more devastating fashion thanks to two late Argentinian goals, so we imagine they will be the more downtrodden of the two and find it harder to get up for this one. 

Betting tip: France. 

Correct Score Prediction

Third-place playoffs at recent World Cups have tended to be open, high-scoring affairs. Defenders are often tired or rotated, and coaches frequently loosen the tactical handbrake now that elimination pressure is gone. 

Five of the last six editions of this battle for bronze have had three or more goals scored in them. 

Both England and France carry serious attacking firepower and, historically, meetings between the two have rarely finished goalless.

A one-goal margin feels most likely given the quality across both back lines, but do not be surprised if this one opens up in the final half hour. 

Value looks to sit in the 2-1 and 2-2 range rather than a low-scoring stalemate.

Betting tip: 2-1 France. 

First Goal Prediction

Names like Kane, Mbappe, Bellingham and Dembele instantly spring to mind when thinking about picking a goal scorer for this one.

However, you have to read the room when it comes to World Cup Third Place Playoffs. All of these superstars have given their blood, sweat and tears for their sides over the last month and their tanks will be all but empty.

That’s why it’s worth looking at the players that might be called in to replace them. Names like Mateta, Toney and Watkins are all excellent candidates here and since we’re siding with France we’ll be taking their stand in striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. 

Betting tip: Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Where to Watch France vs England

For the first time ever, Sportsbet is offering punters the chance to stream World Cup matches live*.

To watch Sportsbet’s live streams of the World Cup, you must:

- Be 18+.

- Have a Sportsbet account.

- Be logged into your Sportsbet account.

- Have a positive balance OR have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. 

World Cup streaming is available both in-app and on-web. As long as you meet the above requirements, you’ll be able to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone.

To access the stream for France vs England simply find your way to the official betting page for this match. Or, if you have a bet on the game you can watch from your "My Bets" section.

Traditional World Cup broadcaster SBS is also showing every World Cup match, meaning you can also watch France vs England on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand. 

*18+ Available to Sportsbet customers only. Conditions apply – see sportsbet.com.au

*Odds are subject to change.

France vs England Match Details

Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:00am AEST. 

Location: Miami Stadium, Florida. 

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.