England vs France Prediction (Rugby League World Cup) Odds and Bets 24.10.2026

Last update at 22 October, 2026Reading time: 4 minutes

England

France

Rugby League World Cup (RLWC 2026), 07:35 @ 24.10.2026

England face France at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday, 24 October, looking to recover from their disappointing 30-12 defeat to Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup opener. Brian McDermott’s side need a convincing response to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

France arrive after a crushing 78-4 loss to Samoa. With England overwhelming favourites, I’m backing the hosts to deliver a commanding victory, making the points handicap more appealing than the outright result.

England vs France: Date, Kick-Off Time and Match Details

Match information	Details
Fixture	England vs France
Competition	Rugby League World Cup 2026
Round	2, Pools B/C
Date	Saturday, 24 October 2026
Kick-off	7:35am BST
Venue	HBF Park, Perth, Australia
TV / Streaming	Premier Sports

How Are England and France Playing?

England Form: Looking to Bounce Back Against France

England’s World Cup campaign began with a frustrating 30-12 defeat to Tonga, exposing problems with handling and finishing.

AJ Brimson and Dom Young scored second-half tries, but McDermott’s side struggled to turn promising attacking positions into points. England have retained the same 19-man squad, with George Williams and Harry Smith continuing in the halves. Brimson starts at full-back, while Jack Welsby remains among the interchanges.

With Herbie Farnworth and Young providing attacking quality out wide, England have the players to punish France’s defensive weaknesses. A victory is essential, but a substantial winning margin could also prove important in the race for the semi-finals.

France Form: Heavy Defeat Raises Defensive Concerns

France endured a miserable opening match, losing 78-4 against Samoa after conceding 14 tries. Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet scored their only try, but Laurent Frayssinous’s side struggled to contain Samoa’s speed and power throughout the contest.

The French coach has responded with changes. Thomas Lacans partners Théo Fages in the halves, Amir Bourouh starts at hooker and captain Benjamin Garcia moves to loose forward. France will hope those adjustments bring more organisation, although facing another powerful attacking side presents a considerable challenge.

Key Factors Behind My England vs France Prediction

England’s Qualification Pressure: McDermott’s side need to beat France and Papua New Guinea to remain in contention for the semi-finals. Points difference could also become decisive.
France’s Defensive Problems: Conceding 78 points and 14 tries against Samoa suggests France could struggle against England’s powerful backline.
England’s Attacking Quality: Dom Young, Herbie Farnworth and AJ Brimson offer pace and finishing ability, while George Williams provides creativity in the halves.
Team Selection: England have retained their 19-man squad, whereas France have changed several combinations after their opening defeat.
Previous World Cup Meeting: England beat France 42-18 in the 2022 tournament. Their superior attacking options make another comfortable victory a strong possibility.

England vs France Statistics

Rugby League World Cup 2026, after Round 1.

Statistic	England	France
Matches played	1	1
Wins	0	0
Defeats	1	1
Points scored	12	4
Points conceded	30	78
Tries scored	2	1
Tries conceded	4	14
Points difference	-18	-74
Opening match	Lost 30-12 to Tonga	Lost 78-4 to Samoa

Both sides lost their opening fixtures, but France’s defensive numbers are particularly concerning. England conceded four tries against Tonga, while France allowed 14 against Samoa. That difference strengthens the case for an England handicap victory. England also hold a strong historical advantage, having won their three previous Rugby League World Cup meetings with France.

Rugby League World Cup 2026 Standings: England vs France

Combined Pools B/C standings before Round 2.

Position	Team	Played	Points	Difference
1st	Samoa	1	2	+74
2nd	Papua New Guinea	1	2	+24
3rd	Tonga	1	2	+18
4th	England	1	0	-18
5th	Lebanon	1	0	-24
6th	France	1	0	-74

Only two teams from the combined Pools B and C standings progress to the semi-finals. England are already playing catch-up after losing to Tonga. Beating France comfortably would improve their points difference ahead of their final group fixture against Papua New Guinea.

England vs France Betting Odds

England are exceptionally short-priced favourites to win. The handicap market offers a more interesting contest, with the expectation that McDermott’s side will dominate.

Full-Time Result Odds

Match result	Odds
England to win	1/100
Draw	80/1
France to win	50/1

Alternative Betting Markets

Betting market	Odds
England -39.5 points	1/2
England -47.5 points	20/23
England -52.5 points	3/2
France +47.5 points	20/23
Over 59.5 total points	17/20
Under 59.5 total points	17/20

Indicative pre-match prices, subject to change and market availability.

England vs France Predictions

Beni

The conservative one

England -39.5

Odds 1/2

England have far too much attacking quality for this French defence. I expect Williams to dictate play and Young to find plenty of space out wide. A convincing England victory looks on the cards.

Beto

The bold one

England -52.5

Odds 3/2

I'm going for a proper statement win. France couldn't live with Samoa's pace, and England have every reason to keep piling on the points. This could turn into a rout.

England -39.5

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Daniel HarrisExpert sports betting analyst

Originally from Manchester, Daniel has been following English football and betting on sport for years. He now covers football and tennis as part of the BetBrothers tipster team, researching every selection before sharing it. His approach is simple: follow the sport closely, do the homework and only back a bet when he thinks the odds are worth it.