France and England face off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff in Miami, with both teams making several changes to their starting line-ups after missing out on the final.
The match marks the end of an era for France, as head coach Didier Deschamps takes charge of his final game after a remarkable 14-year tenure with the national team.
England have opted to rest several key players, including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Pickford, Anthony Gordon and Elliot Anderson, all of whom begin the match on the bench. With Kane not starting, Declan Rice has been handed the captain’s armband.
Marcus Rashford, Ivan Toney, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and goalkeeper Dean Henderson have been included in the starting XI, while midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is once again absent from the squad despite yet to feature in the tournament.
France have also rotated their squad, but captain Kylian Mbappe retains his place in the starting lineup. The Real Madrid forward is chasing the tournament’s Golden Boot, currently level with Lionel Messi on eight goals, and will be aiming to finish as the competition’s top scorer.
Although neither side reached the World Cup final, the bronze medal clash offers both teams an opportunity to end their campaigns on a positive note, while also serving as an emotional farewell for Deschamps.
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France vs England, FIFA World Cup 2026, Bronze Final, Kylian Mbappe, Didier Deschamps, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, England Football, France Football, Golden Boot, Football News, World Cup 2026