England and France both arrived in the United States believing they could lift the World Cup, but instead they’ll meet in Miami with third place on the line.
It’s not the game either nation wanted, but there’s still plenty to play for. Kylian Mbappé has the Golden Boot in his sights, Didier Deschamps takes charge of France for the final time, and neither side will want to leave the tournament on the back of consecutive defeats.
As always, I’ve picked out my favourite selections for another Bet Builder, and at 67.00, there’s plenty of value to finish the World Cup in style.
My France vs England Bet Builder (67.00)
- France to Win
- Kylian Mbappé 2+ Goals
- Harry Kane Anytime Goalscorer
- Michael Olise to Score or Assist
- Maxence Lacroix to be Booked
- Over 7.5 Corners
France to Win
As disappointing as the defeat to Spain was, I still believe France have been the strongest team at this World Cup.
We won six straight matches before the semi-final, scoring 16 goals, and even against Spain there were long spells where we looked dangerous. England have had to battle through almost every knockout game and looked physically drained against Argentina.
With Didier Deschamps managing France for the final time, I expect one last big performance.
Kylian Mbappé 2+ Goals
If there’s one player who’ll still be fully motivated, it’s Mbappé.
He’s level with Lionel Messi on eight tournament goals, so the Golden Boot is still there to be won, while every goal also moves him further up the all-time World Cup scoring charts.
He always seems to deliver on the biggest stage, and with England missing key players defensively, I can see him taking full advantage.
Harry Kane Anytime Goalscorer
I still think England will score.
Harry Kane remains their biggest threat and has enjoyed another outstanding World Cup. Even if England rotate a few players, everything still goes through their captain whenever they get into dangerous areas.
Backing France to win doesn’t mean backing England to blank, and Kane is the player I’d trust most to find the net.
Michael Olise to Score or Assist
Olise has quietly been one of the stars of this tournament.
After producing 22 goals and 26 assists for Bayern Munich last season, he’s carried that creativity into the World Cup with five assists, more than any other player in the competition.
He’s also been unfortunate not to score himself, hitting the woodwork twice from 17 shots, so I think he’s due another decisive contribution.
Maxence Lacroix To Be Booked
With William Saliba unavailable, Lacroix looks set to start, and this feels like a difficult assignment.
He committed two fouls after replacing Saliba against Spain and also made two fouls in his start against Norway, where he was fortunate to avoid a booking.
France’s centre-backs are encouraged to defend aggressively, and against Kane, Bellingham and England’s runners, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Lacroix end up in the referee’s notebook.
Over 7.5 Corners
This line has landed consistently throughout the tournament.
France matches have averaged 9.57 corners per game, clearing this total in six of seven outings, including every knockout match.
England’s games have averaged 10.13 corners, with Tuchel’s side winning 5.13 and conceding 5.0 per match, showing just how open their games have been.
With both teams likely to attack freely after semi-final disappointment, I expect another high corner count.
Camille’s Prediction
Neither side wanted to be playing this match, but France still have more motivation.
Deschamps deserves to leave on a high, Mbappé has individual records to chase, and I think our squad depth will prove decisive against an England side that looked exhausted against Argentina.
Predicted score: France 3-1 England
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