France vs England Predictions

• Under 3.5 goals has landed in all four of France’s knockout games
• Under 3.5 goals has landed in three of England’s four knockout games
• This game will be played in the heat in Miami

Third place consolation for France or England

France and England contest the game nobody wants to be involved in on Saturday night as the two losing semi-finalists square off in the third-placed play-off.

The inquest is already well underway after England’s last-four collapse against Argentina. Boss Thomas Tuchel’s decision to switch to a back five after taking the lead spectacularly backfired as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat and this game is probably an unwelcome distraction for both the manager and the players.

France will definitely embark on a new era after this tournament as Didier Deschamps confirmed he would be stepping down after the World Cup before the competition began. Deschamps has been in charge since 2012 and won the World Cup in 2018 as well as one Nations League title, although he will perhaps feel he should have done more considering the players he’s had at his disposal over the last 14 years.

Goals could be in short supply

Both of these sides are blessed with some outstanding forwards but we might not see all of the big names on show on Saturday. Both teams are likely to rotate heavily in all areas and that may lead to a disjointed game, and it will be hard for either side to find much motivation after coming so close to reaching the final.

The conditions will also be a factor as this game will be played in the heat and humidity of Miami. That should slow the pace of the game down and under 3.5 goals looks a good starting point here.

There have been fewer than four goals scored in all four of France’s knockout games and in three of England’s four games. There is also a chance the Three Lions will leave out both Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, or at least restrict their game time, and between them the duo have scored 12 of England’s 14 World Cup goals.

France the more likely winners

This will be England’s third appearance in a third-placed play-off and they’ve lost both of their previous attempts in the ‘bronze medal match’. France have a better record with two wins and one defeat, and historical records aside, Les Bleus look the more likely victors.

France have had an extra day off to recover and the manner of their own semi-final exit probably wasn’t quite as demoralising as England’s. The Three Lions will feel they had victory snatched away from them, whereas France never really got going in their 2-0 loss to Spain and may want to show some kind of response at the Hard Rock Stadium.

France had only conceded two World Cup goals prior to their loss to Spain and they can keep a rotated England side at bay, so a 2-0 win for the French in Deschamps’ swansong is the correct score pick.

France may rest some stars, but Kylian Mbappe should be involved with the Golden Boot still a very real possibility. Mbappe is locked on eight goals with Lionel Messi and he’ll be desperate to get on the scoresheet against England as he bids to become the first man to win that honour twice. As such, Mbappe looks the standout pick for an anytime effort.