France is the favored team against England in the third-place match of the World Cup, according to betting odds. The French side is seen as a strong favorite, with odds reflecting their consistent performance and depth throughout the tournament.
Despite both Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi vying for the Golden Boot award, with eight goals each, France's overall team strength is a key factor in their favored status. Mbappé has scored in five of France's seven matches, though the team demonstrated its depth by achieving a 4-1 victory over Norway even without a goal from their star forward. France leads the World Cup in expected goals, fueled by a high number of significant chances created, despite ranking lower in possession than some competitors.
France's recent defensive record includes seven consecutive wins before a match against Spain, and three consecutive clean sheets in the knockout stages against Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco. This defensive solidity, combined with a system that relies on structure and counterattacks, has been effective throughout the tournament.
In contrast, England's recent performance saw them let a semifinal lead slip against Argentina. The team faced criticism for a defensive approach after taking the lead, which allowed Argentina sustained pressure and left England's attacking players isolated. France has also had an additional day of rest compared to England leading up to the third-place game.
Didier Deschamps, France's coach for the past 14 years, is set to step down after this match, adding another layer of motivation for the French team. The match is scheduled for Saturday.