England take on France in the World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday.
The Three Lions will face Les Bleus in the game that both sides really wanted to avoid this weekend, after both lost in the semi-finals in midweek.
England were heartbroken at the last by Argentina, beaten 2-1 in Atlanta, Georgia, while France were felled at the second-last hurdle by Spain, with the European champions clocking a 2-0 victory in Arlington, Texas.
But their World Cup campaigns are not over, as much as both managers would like them to be.
Thomas Tuchel faces an inquest upon his return after England’s abrupt exit, with the German appointed by the FA with the sole objective of winning this tournament.
Didier Deschamps, a World Cup winner as both a player and a manger, will end his tenure as France boss after this encounter.
Date, kick-off time and venue
England vs France is scheduled for a 10pm BST kick-off on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
The match will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Where to watch England vs France for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 9.30pm.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer app or the channel’s website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, featuring expert analysis from Dom Smith at the ground.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer app and their websites.
England vs France team news
How do the Three Lions approach this game?
There are players in Tuchel’s cohort that have not even played a minute at this tournament, the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Kobbie Mainoo, Dean Henderson and James Trafford.
Jordan Henderson was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after his freak arm fracture in the aftermath of the 3-2 win in Mexico.
Declan Rice could well be one of the names that is rested after struggling with lower back and hamstring injuries throughout the campaign, and he also battled illness before (and during) the Norway and Argentina matches.
Reece James, who returned to action in the last four, is another that is unlikely to feature here amid his own hamstring troubles.
That could mean a return to the side for Jarell Quansah, fresh off his two-match ban for his red card at the Estadio Azteca, while fringe players at this tournament, the likes of Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, could all get some minutes under their belt.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Defenders: Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah, Dan Burn, Reece James, Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Ivan Toney
The same can be said for France.
There are plenty of bodies in Les Bleus’ squad that will be crying out for some game time, with Deschamps not one to rotate heavily during the competition.
Now, however, he could be tempted to experiment one last time before he hands over the reins.
The likes of Brice Samba or Robin Risser could get the nod over Mike Maignan in goal, while Chelsea’s Malo Gusto could get a run-out at full-back.
William Saliba was forced off with a back injury against Spain in a major blow for Arsenal, and Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix, who replaced him in Texas, could get a start here.
Lucas Hernandez is another that has been starved of minutes, while N’Golo Kante, Warren Zaire-Emery and Maghnes Akliouche will all want to put themselves in the spotlight for the incoming new boss.
Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram will also be hoping for a rare start, perhaps giving the five stars - Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele - a rest.
France squad
Goalkeepers: Brice Samba, Mike Maignan, Robin Risser
Defenders: Malo Gusto, Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez, Lucas Hernandez, Maxence Lacroix
Midfielders: Manu Kone, Aurelien Tchouameni, N'Golo Kante, Adrien Rabiot, , Warren Zaire-Emery, Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche
Forwards: Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta
England vs France prediction
Both sides have arguably the best depth in the whole tournament, and yet they find themselves in the newly-named ‘Bronze final’.
In reality, a matchup in the final against France would have been seen as ominous for Tuchel’s men, but now, perhaps against a rotated side and with emotions high amid Deschamps’ imminent departure, there could be a chance to get one over their familiar foes.
It seems unlikely that this will break out into an all-time classic given how low the stakes are in comparison to Sunday’s showpiece, but there is still plenty of quality within either sides’ reserve ranks to produce an entertaining encounter.
France to win, 2-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
England wins: 17
France wins: 10
Draws: 5
England vs France match odds
England to win:
France to win:
Draw:
Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change).
