The FIFA World Cup comes closer to conclusion on Saturday with the third place playoff as two European giants look to end their campaigns on a positive note. France and England both fell just short in the semifinals but will now battle for the bronze medal and we look at the match from a betting angle.
France vs England
Les Bleus began their World Cup campaign in impressive fashion with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal before producing another dominant display in a 3-0 win over Iraq. They then continued their perfect group stage by dismantling Norway 4-1 to finish top of their group.
Their Round of 32 clash against Sweden proved to be another comfortable outing as France secured a professional 3-0 victory to advance into the Round of 16. They were then tested by a resilient Paraguay side in the Round of 16 but produced another disciplined performance to edge out a narrow 1-0 victory and book their place in the quarterfinals.
France were at their best in the quarterfinals, defeating Morocco 2-0 to reach the last four.
However, their World Cup dream came to an end in the semifinals after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Spain. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute before Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage in the 58th minute, leaving France to settle for a place in the third place playoff.
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England
They opened their World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia before being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana in their second group fixture. They responded impressively in their final group match, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama to finish top of their group unbeaten with seven points.
Their Round of 32 clash against DR Congo was a tough assignment for the English side. They fell a goal behind early on before Harry Kane struck twice within the final 15 minutes to claim a 2-1 victory and progress into the Round of 16.
England then faced another difficult test against hosts Mexico in the Round of 16. In an open and entertaining encounter, they surrendered a two goal lead before finding the decisive goal late on to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory and book their place in the quarterfinals.
Their quarterfinal meeting with Norway was one of their toughest challenges of the tournament. Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead in the 36th minute before Jude Bellingham equalised in first half stoppage time. With the contest remaining level after 90 minutes, extra time was required and Bellingham once again proved the hero, scoring in the 93rd minute to hand England a narrow 2-1 victory and send them into the World Cup semifinals.
England’s World Cup journey came to an end in heartbreaking fashion after a 2-1 semifinal defeat to Argentina. Anthony Gordon gave England the advantage in the 55th minute before Enzo Fernandez equalised five minutes from time. As extra time looked inevitable, Lautaro Martinez struck deep into stoppage time to send Argentina into the final and leave England preparing for the third place playoff.
Head-to-Head
France have enjoyed the better record in recent meetings between the two nations, winning four of the previous six encounters compared to England’s one victory, while the remaining match ended in a draw. Their most recent meeting came in the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup where France claimed a 2-1 victory, while the last meeting in France saw them record an entertaining 3-2 friendly win in 2017.
Betting – Click here to bet
France 2.00
Draw 3.85
England 3.65
Verdict
Both nations will be disappointed after falling at the semifinal stage but will still be determined to finish the tournament with a victory. France have been one of the most consistent teams throughout the competition, winning six of their seven matches while conceding just four goals. England have shown resilience in the knockout rounds, producing comeback victories and edging several tightly contested encounters, although the dramatic nature of those matches may have taken its toll. With France boasting the stronger defensive record and having held the upper hand in recent meetings between the sides, they look well placed to finish their World Cup campaign with a victory and secure third place.
BET: France to Win at 2.00
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
