England vs France football head to head analysis: Comparing the two teams to win the Euros

England vs France football head to head analysis: Comparing the two teams to win the Euros

Kevin Omuya
June 12, 2024 at 9:17 PM
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Most football fans enjoy watching England play France in international competitions. Although the two are in different groups in Euro 2024, the chances of them meeting cannot be ruled out. The English and French football rivalry is fascinating, with high-stakes matches and dramatic moments featuring legendary players. An England vs France football head-to-head analysis provides valuable insights into the duel.

England vs France Euro 2024
France's forward Kylian Mbappe on March 24, 2023. Harry Kane of England on June 19, 2023. Photo: Franck Fife, Michael Regan/Getty Images
Source: UGC

Table of Сontents:

While England has a better overall record, France has been on fire lately, thanks to a new crop of brilliant players. Comparing the teams' head-to-head records, strategy innovations, and essential players gives a complete picture of their title chances as they prepare for the Euros.

England vs France football head-to-head

Which country is better, England or France? Under Didier Deschamps' leadership, the French national team (Les Bleus) has successfully combined a formidable defence with an explosive offence, contrasting England's (The Three Lions) emphasis on a solid defensive setup under Gareth Southgate.

According to the Independent, the England vs France football rivalry remains one of the most captivating fixtures in international football. Despite England's dominance in the early and middle decades of the twentieth century, France has won a string of decisive victories this century, allowing them to draw even.

Kylian Mbappe celebrating a goal
France's forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 Group B qualifying football match against Gibraltar on November 18, 2023. Photo: Franck Fife
Source: Getty Images

Take a look at this comprehensive head-to-head record of England vs France. It emphasises essential matches, wins, and trends throughout the years. This table gives a high-level summary of England national football team vs France national football team stats as of June 2024, per Transfermarkt and 11 vs 11.

Total matches played

32

England wins

17

France wins

10

Draws

5

Total goals

41

England's George Camsell, Dixie Dean, and Jules Dewaquez of France are the highest scorers in the rivalry, with four goals each. Sir Geoff Hurst and Tom Finney follow with three each.

England vs France line ups

The teams' squad has changed over the years, featuring some of the best footballers on the planet. Below are the updated England national football team vs France national football team lineups as of 2024.

England national football team

England squad training ahead of Euro 2024
England's midfielder Adam Wharton (C) and teammates participate in a training session of England's national football team on June 12, 2024. Photo: Adrian Dennis
Source: Getty Images

Goalkeeper

  • Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Defenders

  • Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
  • John Stones (Manchester City)
  • Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
  • Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Midfielders

  • Declan Rice (Arsenal)
  • Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
  • Mason Mount (Manchester United)

Forwards

  • Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
  • Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
  • Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)

France national football team

France squad during training
France's head coach Didier Deschamps (L) looks at France's forward Kylian Mbappe (C), flanked by France's forward Antoine Griezmann (R) during a training session on May 30, 2024. Photo: Franck Fife
Source: Getty Images

Goalkeeper

  • Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

Defenders

  • Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan)
  • Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool)
  • Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
  • Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)

Midfielders

  • Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)
  • Adrien Rabiot (Juventus)
  • Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

Forwards

  • Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich)
  • Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
  • Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)

England vs France past games

Thierry Henry and Paul Scholes
France's forward Thierry Henry (R) moves the ball past England's midfielder Paul Scholes (L) in Euro 2004. Photo: Liewig Christian
Source: Getty Images

England beat their rivals 4-1 in their first official meeting in a friendly game on 10 May 1923, while France won their latest battle 2-1 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal. In the early 20th century, the Three Lions consistently won friendly matches against Les Bleus.

By the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century, the games were more competitive, with France securing wins. This graph shows the England national football team vs France national football team timeline of their past 10 games.

Date

Competition

Result

June 7, 1997

Tournoi de France

England won (0-1)

February 10, 1999

Friendly

France won (0-2)

September 2, 2000

Friendly

Draw (1-1)

June 13, 2004

Euro 2004 Group Stage

France won (2-1)

March 26, 2008

Friendly

France won (1-0)

November 17, 2010

Friendly

France won (1-2)

June 11, 2012

Euro 2012 Group Stage

Draw (1-1)

November 17, 2015

Friendly

England won (2-0)

June 13, 2017

Friendly

France won (3-2)

December 10, 2022

World Cup Quarter-Final

France won (1-2))

England vs France Trophies

France celebrates having won Euro cup 2000
French players celebrate victory with their trophy following the 2000 UEFA European Championship final, France vs Italy (2-1). Photo: Stephane Mantey
Source: Getty Images

Both teams have a rich history in international football, but their trophy cabinets tell different stories. Here is a breakdown:

England

FIFA World Cup: In 1966, they won their only title as champions. After extra time, West Germany lost the final 4–2, and Geoff Hurst scored the first-ever hat-trick in a World Cup final.

France

FIFA World Cup: Winner twice, in 1998 and 2018. They beat Brazil 3-0 in the final to win in 1998, which was a great showing. An exciting 4–2 win over Croatia in 2018 was theirs.

UEFA European Championship: Two-time winner (1984 and 2000). When they played Spain in 1984, they won 2-0; in 2000, they beat Italy with a golden goal in extra time.

England vs France Legends

Garry Neville fights for the ball against Zinedine Zidane
England's defender Gary Neville (white) playing against France's striker Zinedine Zidane (blue) on June 13, 2004. Photo: Christof Koepsel
Source: Getty Images

The presence of famous players from both teams has improved the England vs France soccer games. These players have left their mark on the games and added to the long histories of both teams. Here is a table listing some legendary players who graced the rivalry.

Position

England

France

Forward

Bobby Charlton

Michel Platini

Forward

Geoff Hurst

Zinedine Zidane

Midfield

Kevin Keegan

Raymond Kopa

Midfield

Steven Gerrard

Laurent Blanc

Defence

Alan Shearer

Lilian Thuram

Defence

Ashley Cole

Bixente Lizarazu

Goalkeeper

David Seaman

Fabien Barthez

Frequently asked questions

People often have questions about England vs France football head-to-head research, comparing them to the Euros. By looking at these factors, fans can better understand which team is more likely to do well in the Euros.

What is the historical head-to-head record between England and France in football?

In their 32 meetings, the Three Lions have a better record than Les Bleus (17 wins, 10 losses, and five ties). But in recent tournaments and contests, France has been on top.

How have England and France performed in the European Championship (Euros)?

Les Bleus have won the European Championship twice (in 1984 and 2000), attesting to its mettle in big games. The Three Lions has never won the Euros before, but it did make it to the final in 2020.

Who are the key players to watch in the England vs France football rivalry?

England players celebrate a goal
England's striker Harry Kane (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Malta on November 17, 2023. Photo: Glyn Kirk
Source: Getty Images

Key England players in 2024 include Jordan Pickford, Raheem Sterling, and Harry Kane. Hugo Lloris, Antoine Griezmann, and Kylian Mbappé are the standout French players.

What are England and France's tactical approaches to football?

Forms like 4-3-3 and 3-4-3 are common for England's pragmatic style of play under Gareth Soutprioritizesh, which prioritises defensive solidity and rapid transitions. With Didier Deschamps at the helm, France's preferred configuration is a well-rounded 4-2-3, emphasising a solid midfield and lively offensive play.

How have recent matches between England and France ended?

Recent meetings have been very controversial. In a friendly match in 2017, Les Bleus won 3-2, while in a friendly game in 2015, the Three Lions won 2-0. France won their last game in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Final word

The England vs France football head-to-head analysis reveals a rivalry characterised by shifting dominance and competitive balance. The historical record favours England, but France's recent successes, including their 2018 World Cup victory, prove they are now the better international team.

READ ALSO: Euro Cup host countries list: A comprehensive list of all the countries that have hosted the Euros

Sports Brief published a list of countries that have hosted the UEFA Euro tournament. Many countries have hosted the competition as Germany prepares to host the 2024 edition. Follow the above link to discover past hosts and their performance in the championship.

Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.