France vs. England: Complete Head-to-Head Record

A fixture that dates back to the 1920s staged its 34th instalment towards the end of the 2026 World Cup.

There’s far too much history between the two major European nations for there not to be any love lost between the soccer teams, although Bukayo Saka and Kylian Mbappé probably weren’t thinking about Henry V or Napoleon Bonaparte when they were trading blows in Miami’s exhibition-like third-place playoff.

While the French were relatively late bloomers on the soccer stage, their achievements at major tournaments still outweigh the sport’s pioneers. For that, the English are resentful.

Here’s a complete rundown of the history between Les Blues and the Three Lions.

The Last Time France and England Faced Off

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Reece James — Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick in England‘s crazy 6–4 victory. | Luke Hales/Getty Images

It was the game that nobody wanted to be a part of. France and England met in the third-place playoff at the 2026 World Cup, having been beaten in the semifinals by Spain and Argentina, respectively.

France’s individuals were rendered redundant by Spain’s cohesion, while a classic English retreat was seized upon by the spontaneous and opportunistic holders.

Thus, the long-time foes met in Miami a day before the final, with bronze medals at stake. The majority of third-place playoffs are consigned to the depths of World Cup history, but few will forget what went down in Miami Gardens.

England, so cautious and cowardly just days before, were 4–0 up by half-time. Didier Deschamps had one last opportunity to rally his players before his lengthy tenure drew to a close, and France did start to lean forward and play properly in the second half. Its fearsome attack purred, reducing their deficit to one thanks to an Mbappé brace and Bradley Barcola’s fine finish.

However, the Three Lions didn’t completely wilt this time, rallying again to restore a more comfortable advantage as Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot. A ludicrous encounter, which played out like a testimonial, fittingly concluded with strikes at both ends. Ousmane Dembélé scored France’s fifth of the second half, but then Jude Bellingham made a mockery of some generous French defending to seal a 6–4 victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

As a result, England secured its best World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966.

France vs. England at Major Tournaments

England vs. France — England reigned supreme at the 1982 World Cup. | Mirror Syndication International/Mirrorpix/Getty Images

The third-place playoff in Florida was the fourth World Cup meeting between the sides. Before the quarterfinal in 2022, which Les Bleus won 2–1, France and England had last battled at international soccer’s grandest tournament all the way back in 1982.

England were 3–1 victors on that occasion in the group stage, Bryan Robson’s brace added to late in the day by Paul Mariner. A first-half equalizer from Gérard Soler proved entirely inconsequential.

The Three Lions had won the first World Cup meeting, too, also in the group stage. En route to a first and only world title in 1966, England beat France 2–0 courtesy of Roger Hunt’s brace.

The nations have dueled plenty at the European Championship. All three fixtures have come in the group stage, starting with a tame goalless draw at the 1992 tournament which was followed by a 2–1 win for France 12 years later. A stunning stoppage-time brace from Zinedine Zidane decided a feisty affair.

Euro 2012 was their most recent continental clash, first-half goals from Joleon Lescott and Samir Nasri resulting in a 1–1 stalemate.

France vs. England: Complete Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played: 34
France Wins: 10
England Wins: 19
Draws: 5

Top Goalscorers in France vs. England

Player	Nation	Goals
Dixie Dean	England	4
George Camsell	England	4
Jules Dewaquez	France	4
Geoff Hurst	England	3
Vivian Gibbins	England	3

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