England play France to conclude their World Cup 2026 campaign down in Miami in the bronze final.
The game that nobody wants to play will see the Three Lions attempt to pick themselves up after being floored by Argentina’s late show in Atlanta.
The aftermath has seen Thomas Tuchel’s reputation shredded by parts of the media and fans, including President Donald Trump mentioning his strategy following Anthony Gordon’s opener.
France, too, must lift it to conclude the glittering Didier Deschamps reign, with Kylian Mbappe also determined to win the golden boot in a hard-fought battle with Lionel Messi.
Follow all the latest updates and build-up to the match, which is often a high-scoring, free-flowing affair, in our live blog below:
How England’s World Cup dream unravelled to leave one agonising regret
It is customary, at times like this, to mention 1966. Amid England’s repeated inability to replicate the scenes at Wembley six decades ago, however, it may be pertinent to note 1966 was the last World Cup before the introduction of substitutes. England’s defence of their title ended in 1970 after Sir Alf Ramsey’s decision to take Bobby Charlton off against West Germany. If nothing else, it is no longer the most infamous substitution an England manager has made in a World Cup in North America. When Ezri Konsa came for Anthony Gordon in Atlanta, it helped propel Argentina into the final.
Thomas Tuchel may note the only three previous managers to take England to a World Cup semi-final – Ramsey, Bobby Robson and Gareth Southgate – all ended up knighted. It is not only his German passport that suggests he need not save a date in his diary for a trip to Buckingham Palace.
Thomas Tuchel responds after Donald Trump criticism
“Do you use Donald Trump as your witness for the case? Just asking. I view them in the same way, we were too passive, got too passive, if you’re asking if I regret my decision, then no, I don’t regret my decisions, I felt we became too passive,” Tuchel said when questioned on Trump’s criticism, with the US President stating that the German coach might have “made a mistake when they made him [Kane] a defensive player” in the closing stages of the Argentina match.
“The momentum switches in the match, I tried to help my team, I tried to support, I was trusting my instincts, my intuition, my experience, my competitiveness. I took the decision in order to help the team get the result. We didn’t get the result, of course, I take the responsibility.
“The decisions are made under stress. The decisions are made in-game, in-life coaching, I would regret it if I didn’t help, if I didn’t react, but I have no regrets over my decisions.”
England v France predicted line-ups
France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Lacroix, T. Hernandez; Kone, Zaire-Emery; Cherki, Olise, Doue; Mbappe.
England XI: Pickford; Spence, Chalobah, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Mainoo; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
England v France team news
France are without William Saliba due to a back injury sustained in the semi-final – Maxence Lacroix will likely deputise again. Back-up keeper Brice Samba is also absent.
For England, there are doubts over Reece James’ fitness again after he was withdrawn following treatment against Argentina, while Jordan Henderson is also out with his broken wrist. Jarell Quansah is available again after his two-match suspension, while Tuchel will likely give those who haven’t played any minutes a World Cup run-out – like Mainoo and Chalobah. Jude Bellingham may wind up with a suspension for slapping Valentin Barco.
England v France – World Cup 2026 bronze match
Welcome to the Independent’s coverage of the Fifa World Cup 2026 bronze final: England v France.
Thomas Tuchel has been hammered for his tactics in the devastating semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Now, a chance to salvage some credit from a bitter end to a wild ride this summer.
But France are bidding farewell to Didier Deschamps after 14 years in charge. Stick with us for all the build-up and team news in Miami.
