Preview: France vs England | Latest news, line-ups, absences (18/07/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch France vs England in the World Cup third-place playoff
France and England meet at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday night in the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff, with both nations looking to end their campaigns on a positive note after semi-final disappointment.
Didier Deschamps‘ side fell 2-0 to Spain in the last four despite creating several promising opportunities. Goals either side of half-time condemned Les Bleus to defeat, ending their hopes of lifting a third World Cup crown.
This will be the France coach’s final game in charge of the national team as he steps down following a magnificent 14-year stint in the dugout.
England suffered heartbreak 24 hours later, throwing away a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 to Argentina. Jude Bellingham had given Thomas Tuchel‘s side the advantage before the reigning champions struck twice late on to snatch victory and deny England a place in their first World Cup final since 1966.
Although neither side will have the trophy they wanted, there is still plenty to play for. A World Cup medal remains a significant achievement, while France captain Kylian Mbappé also enters the match with the Golden Boot still within reach.
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France remain one of the tournament’s highest-scoring teams despite their semi-final defeat. Mbappé continues to lead the attack brilliantly and sits on eight goals, level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot standings. However, Messi’s two assists against England moved him onto four assists, one more than Mbappé, meaning the Argentina captain currently holds the Golden Boot tiebreaker. Mbappé therefore needs at least one goal contribution against England to move back ahead before Sunday’s final.
England will be desperate to respond after their dramatic collapse against Argentina. Tuchel’s side competed superbly for long periods and once again demonstrated the influence of Bellingham, but defensive lapses in the closing stages proved costly. The “Bronze Final” also offers an opportunity for several players to finish an impressive tournament on a high.
Here’s how the World Cup Golden Boot race looks ahead of the Bronze Final:
France
Deschamps is expected to make several changes after the emotional disappointment of the semi-final, but Mbappé is almost certain to start given the Golden Boot race. Brice Samba could get a start in goal, and the likes of Malo Gusto, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Rayan Cherki will be hoping to come into the team after being background figures so far. William Saliba suffered a back injury against Spain that rules him out for the next four to five months, with Maxence Lacroix likely to replace him.
England
Tuchel faces decisions over whether to freshen his side after another physically demanding knockout match. Jordan Pickford could make way for Dean Henderson in goal. Declan Rice has not been fully fit for large parts of this tournament and will likely not play against France, with Kobbie Mainoo hoping to get his first minutes of the tournament. Morgan Rogers impressed in his first start against Argentine and could be rewarded with another start while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are expected to keep their place in the team. There is a chance of the game going all the way past extra-time, and Tuchel will make sure to have England’s top penalty takers on the pitch come the end of the game if the score is level.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
England and France have developed one of international football’s most compelling rivalries in recent years.
France have won each of the last two competitive meetings, including their dramatic 2-1 victory in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. England’s last victory over Les Bleus came in a friendly at Wembley in 2015.
Recent meetings:
- 10/12/2022: England 1-2 France (FIFA World Cup)
- 13/06/2017: France 3-2 England (International friendly)
- 17/11/2015: England 2-0 France (International friendly)
- 11/06/2012: France 1-1 England (UEFA European Championship)
- 26/03/2008: France 1-0 England (International friendly)
Predicted line-ups
Both managers are expected to make a number of changes to their line-ups, allowing players who have not featured much at the tournament so far to get game time and prove a point in a bid to claim third place at the World Cup.
Tactical analysis: Can England recover after semi-final heartbreak?
The biggest challenge for both managers may be psychological rather than tactical.
France are likely to dominate transitions, looking to release Mbappé quickly whenever England lose possession. France’s pace on the flanks means England’s full-backs will have to be disciplined throughout.
England, meanwhile, should enjoy spells of possession. Kane’s tendency to drop into midfield could create space for the wingers, whether it be Rashford, Saka, or Gordon to attack behind France’s defence, while Morgan Rogers’ willingness to shoot from distance may again become an important weapon after his effort led to England’s goal against Norway in the quarter-finals.
If the match becomes open, France arguably possess greater firepower. If England can control possession and avoid the defensive lapses that proved costly against Argentina, they have every chance of claiming their first-ever World Cup third-place finish.
Key players to watch
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Despite not being able to win the World Cup, there is still some motivation for France’s captain. Mbappé enters the match level with Lionel Messi on eight goals, but currently trails in the Golden Boot standings because Messi has registered four assists compared to Mbappé’s three. That means Mbappé realistically needs at least one goal contribution on Saturday to reclaim pole position before Sunday’s final. Given how much of France’s attack flows through him, backing Mbappé to score anytime remains one of the standout betting angles.
Jude Bellingham (England)
Bellingham has been England’s outstanding performer throughout the knockout stages and once again impressed despite the semi-final defeat. His energy, leadership and ability to arrive late in the penalty area continue to make him England’s biggest attacking threat from midfield. If England are to finally claim third place at a World Cup, another influential display from Bellingham will almost certainly be required. Bellingham to score anytime appears the most logical bet here.
Where to watch France vs England in the UK and Ireland
France vs England kicks off at 22:00 BST on Saturday, July 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on BBC One and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available live through RTÉ and RTÉ Player.
France vs England prediction and betting tips
The latest France vs England odds suggest a close game, but with Deschamps’s side entering the third-place playoff as slight favourites. Current betting markets implying approximately a 43% chance of a French win inside 90 minutes, compared to around 30% for England, while the draw is rated at roughly 27%.
With both teams coming off emotionally draining semi-final defeats, motivation will be a key factor. France may have the additional incentive of helping Mbappé chase the Golden Boot, while England are still searching for their first victory in a World Cup third-place play-off.
Saturday will be England’s third appearance in the match. They lost 2-1 to hosts Italy in 1990 after defeat to West Germany in the semi-finals, before suffering a 2-0 loss to Belgium in 2018 following their exit against Croatia. Tuchel’s side will therefore be hoping to end an unwanted record by finally claiming bronze medals.
France’s greater attacking quality gives them a slight edge, but England have shown throughout this tournament that they are capable of responding to adversity. Another close, entertaining contest looks likely, with fine margins once again expected to separate the two sides.
