World Cup Predictions Today 18 July: Mbappe Vs Kane In Golden Boot Race

Here are our World Cup predictions today ahead of France Vs England along with the latest odds, betting tips and best bets before Saturday night's third-place play-off.

While neither side will lift the World Cup trophy, both nations will be determined to end their campaigns on a high by securing third place after painful semi-final defeats.

England came within touching distance of the final before suffering late heartbreak against Argentina.

Thomas Tuchel's side looked on course for victory after Anthony Gordon fired the Three Lions ahead in the second half, only for Argentina to score twice in the closing stages and snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory.

Despite that disappointment, England have produced an outstanding tournament.

After topping their group, they fought back to defeat DR Congo 2-1 before overcoming hosts Mexico 3-2 in one of the games of the competition despite playing much of the second half with 10 men following Jarrell Quansah's red card.

England then recovered from another difficult position to defeat Norway 2-1 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham once again delivering when it mattered most.

Those performances had kept the latest World Cup Odds firmly in England's favour throughout the tournament.

France, meanwhile, had looked increasingly convincing before their hopes of lifting the trophy were ended by Spain.

Les Bleus comfortably defeated Sweden 3-0 before edging past Paraguay thanks to a Kylian Mbappe penalty and then overcoming Morocco 2-0 to reach the final four.

However, Didier Deschamps' side failed to produce their best football in the semi-finals, slipping to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against an impressive Spain team.

Mbappe remains one of the tournament's leading scorers and continues to feature prominently in the World Cup Golden Boot Odds, while France narrowly enter this contest as favourites with most UK Betting Sites.

World Cup Predictions Today: France Vs England

This should be an entertaining encounter despite the disappointment both teams experienced in the semi-finals.

England have shown remarkable resilience throughout the knockout rounds and have repeatedly demonstrated an ability to respond under pressure.

Bellingham has inspired the Three Lions during the biggest moments, while Harry Kane continues to lead the attack with intelligence and experience.

France, however, possess outstanding quality throughout their squad.

Although they struggled against Spain, Mbappe remains one of the most dangerous forwards in world football, and Les Bleus have looked defensively solid for much of the competition.

Both sides are likely to rotate slightly after emotionally draining semi-finals, but there is still plenty of quality on display.

France's greater attacking depth may ultimately prove decisive in what should be another closely contested fixture.

Predicted score: France 2-1 England

France Vs England Betting Tips & Best Bets

Below, we have picked out three of our best France Vs England bets, which can be backed ahead of Saturday night's third-place play-off.

All odds taken from Betnero at 10:00 UK time on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

France To Win & Both Teams To Score – 3.00

Our first selection is France to claim third place while conceding along the way.

England have scored in every knockout match and continue to create chances through Kane, Bellingham and Gordon.

France, however, possess the extra firepower to edge the contest, with Mbappe capable of making the difference against a defence that looked vulnerable late on against Argentina.

Kylian Mbappe Anytime Goalscorer – 1.75

Next, we are backing Kylian Mbappe to find the net.

The France captain has consistently delivered throughout the tournament and remains firmly in the hunt for the Golden Boot.

His pace, movement and finishing ability make him the standout anytime goalscorer selection, particularly against an England side coming off an emotionally exhausting semi-final.

A Penalty To Be Awarded – 2.45

Finally, we are backing a penalty to be awarded during the match.

Both teams attack aggressively inside the penalty area and possess players capable of drawing fouls in dangerous situations.

With pride, a podium finish and individual accolades still on the line, another fiercely competitive contest could easily produce a decisive VAR intervention from the spot.