After several thrilling matches in the knockout rounds, followed by a sensational pair of semifinals, we're being treated to a France vs England third-place match today.
Below, I will break down this matchup and discuss some Polymarket trades for today's contest.
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France vs England 3-Way Moneyline Predictions
France vs England World Cup Preview
While two of the world’s premier football countries failed on their quest to reign supreme at the World Cup, both France and England have a lot of pride to play for in what I expect to be a thrilling matchup between two nations that certainly know each other all too well.
France enters Saturday’s contest as a slight favorite in regulation, while England sits as a small underdog.
France vs England Matchup Analysis
France (65c Polymarket)
France looked to be far and away the World Cup's top dog throughout their three group-stage matches, followed by three dominant knockout round victories on Les Bleus’ path to face Spain in the Semifinals.
Despite Spain having won the 2024 EURO and being a co-favorite with France to win the 2026 World Cup before the tournament began, Les Bleus were the far more impressive team heading into the semifinals, with most expecting the French to advance to their second consecutive World Cup Final.
However, in what was an absolute masterclass defensive performance by Spain, France was left in utter shock after a 0-2 defeat.
Despite that, the French have an opportunity to exit the 2026 World Cup on a positive note.
France boasts tremendous athleticism across the pitch, with an elite transition pace featuring multiple explosive wingers who thrive at isolating opposing fullbacks and exploiting their massive speed advantage in wide areas to create 1-v-1 opportunities that stretch any defensive line.
That said, it is going to take a grand effort against England's more tactical approach, which will surely require a strong performance from Les Bleus’ superstars, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
England (36c Polymarket)
After an exceptional performance from England over the first 85 minutes of play against Argentina, Tuchel’s bunch choked and allowed goals in the 85th and 92nd minutes to seal its fate.
While you have to tip your cap to Lionel Messi, who delivered two incredible balls that directly led to both goals for La Albiceleste, it was more than Messi’s incredible assists that led to the Three Lions’ defeat.
After England struck first in the 55th minute, with left-winger Anthony Gordon finding the back of the net, Tuchel switched to an ultra-defensive 5-4-1 formation. However, it was far too early for England to merely sit back in their defensive half.
Given how gutted England must be feeling heading into this third-place match versus France, I would be very surprised if the Three Lions aren't highly motivated to prevail on Saturday night, as a loss would be the “icing on the cake” for another disastrous World Cup finish.
England’s methodical possession and clinical set-piece execution will be key if they are to defeat a France bunch that excels athletically and capitalizes in transition.
England vs France Picks
I'll be looking to trade on a draw after the first 90 minutes.
While the French play a very vertical style that relies heavily on their agility and counter-attacking prowess to create scoring opportunities, I could certainly see Les Bleus growing frustrated with England’s preference for retaining possession and cautiously developing set pieces.
The Three Lions play strong and stable football, and if France can't find the back of the net early, England should be able to hold off Mbappe and the rest of France’s attacking firepower.
Given that I expect most of the English defensive efforts to be heavily focused on Mbappe, I'm willing to take a shot on Dembele to score a goal.
I feel there's tremendous value in backing France to prevail in extra time.
France vs England Picks: Draw (+260), Dembélé 1+ Goals (+190), France to Win in Extra Time (+1200)
