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, although there is a chance that the game could be delayed, with thunderstorms forecast for the area around kick-off.
The aftermath of the semi-final defeat 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:
Read MoreWorld Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Mbappe and Kane hunting consolation prize with Messi in final
The World Cup final is Messi v Yamal, master v successor, a planetary alignment
England v France – World Cup 2026 bronze final
- England battle France for third place in Miami | KO 10pm BST, live on BBC One
- Under-fire Tuchel set to make changes after devastating Argentina loss
- Could France v England face a weather delay with thunderstorms in the area?
- Deschamps set to bid farewell after 14-year reign with Les Bleus
- Mbappe (8 goals, 3 assists) targeting golden boot over Messi 8 goals (4 assists)
- England v France team news and predicted line-ups
Here we go! Starting line-ups confirmed
20:43 , James HickenHere are England and Frances starting teams for the FIFA 2026 World Cup Bronze Final.
England: Henderson, Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, Spence, Rice, Saka, Eze, Rogers, Rashford, Toney.
France: Maignan, Gusto, Konate, Lacroix, Hernandez, Zaire-Emery, Rabiot, Olise, Cherki, Doue, Mbappe
Bellingham arrives at the Miami Stadium
20:42 , James Hicken
History of the Bronze Final and what does it mean?
20:35 , James HickenThe Bronze Final or what used to be known as the third-place play off was introduced in the second instalment of the World Cup in 1934 and Germany beat Austria 3-2, before that it was more simply decided on goal difference.
It seems strange to make two teams battle it out in a tournament where only first place matters, which is true, but there is the rigmarole of it having an impact on the world rankings which in turn impact seedings and brackets at subsequent tournaments - so there is a modicum of something to fight for...maybe.
It is a big opportunity for players, now the team prize is out of the picture, to go for an individual award because of being given the extra consolation game. Mbappe, Kane and Bellingham might all have their eyes on the Golden Boot in tonight’s game.
'He can't really complain too much' - Redknapp on if Tuchel gets sacked
20:29 , James Hicken"If he were to go, he can't really complain too much because the decisions he made in that semi-final were just not good enough," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "They weren't elite and when you want to win World Cups you have to make big decisions.
"When you make substitutions that go to a back five and that completely backfires against you, you have to take the consequences. And the consequences when you're the England manager normally mean that there's a change.
Fans gathering outside the Miami Stadium
20:23 , James Hicken
Do England have enough to hold France back?
20:16 , James HickenIt has been a running theme throughout this World Cup that England were struggling defensively against high-calibre attacks. This argument came to a heart breaking conclusion when Argentina scored two late goals to come back and win the game.
England despite sitting back and having six defenders on the pitch, could not stop Messi and Argentina from breaking through. France have a much higher quality attack - Mbappe, Dembele, Barcola and Doue have been in rotation all tournament, which in the eyes of many could be too much for England to handle in the wide areas.
But given the lack of stakes in this game, Deschamps is expected to make myriad changes to his team with players like Mateta and Thuram expected to be given minutes. This sounds more manageable but it will still have to be another mammoth effort from whoever Tuchel decides to give that task of defending the goal.
The setting for tonight's Bronze Final - the Miami Stadium
20:10 , James Hicken
Harry Kane - one last game to prove he is Ballon D'Or worthy
20:04 , James HickenHarry Kane has had perhaps one of the best season’s and summers of his whole career. He has netted 61 times for his club, Bayern Munich and a further six times at this World Cup, a goal scoring record equalling the efforts of some of the greatest of all-time.
Before the World Cup, he was one of the favourites for the trophy alongside, Dembele, Yamal and Mbappe. He only further cemented this in the tournament by, alongside Bellingham, carrying England’s hopes all the way to the semi-finals.
But now he and the other remaining favourites, aside from Yamal, have been eliminated from the tournament, but have been given one last chance to put on a show to sway the voters in their favour.
Messi has also seen a surge in calls for him to receive the award due to his stratospheric performances for Argentina.
An almost fitting farewell for Deschamps
19:58 , James HickenThe French national hero, has represented his country 290 times - 103 times as a player and 187 times as the manager.
He will end his managerial tenure for France the same way he ended his playing career, against England. The only thing that could have made it sweeter for Deschamps was it it was, of course, the final.
Deschamps has had a glittering career as a manager, bringing France back from the brink to World Champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022 - ushering a new generation of young French superstars.
Neither team is where they want to be - but they have to make do.
19:53 , James HickenBoth Tuchel and Deschamps have echoed each other’s sentiment in a reluctance to take part in this upcoming bronze match.
“None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match,” Tuchel said after the Argentina defeat. “They want to play the final. We gave everything to achieve that. Everyone plays to win the World Cup, but that’s how it is.”
“We’re not where we wanted or expected to be,” Deschamps said. “The disappointment matches our ambitions, but we have to accept it.”
Mbappe pays tribute to the departing Deschamps
19:47 , James HickenThis bronze match represents the last of Didier Deschamps reign as France head coach.
His star player and captain, Mbappe, has paid a touching tribute to his coach in a post on X today:
“Today marks your final dance. You gave us so much. We should have given you a better send-off, but we failed.
“It is hard to put into words what you contributed over the past 14 years, given how pivotal you were to this team’s resurgence. People didn’t always appreciate your greatness, but time and history will set the record straight.
“Thank you for giving me the chance and the opportunity to represent my country on the biggest stage for so many years. I feel privileged to have stood alongside one of our country’s greatest legends, and I cherish the wonderful memories of everything we experienced and achieved together.
“I wish you the best in your new chapter, and thank you again for everything you brought to this jersey that means so much to us.”
Ibrahima Konate on the strange third place play-off
19:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleFrance defender Ibrahima Konate echoed England boss Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts that “no one wants” to play in the World Cup bronze medal match and admitted it will be far from easy.
Didier Deschamps’ final match as head coach will be a third-place play-off rather than a third successive global showpiece after European champions Spain beat Les Bleus 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final.
England are the opponents after their 2-1 semi-final collapse to reigning champions Argentina the following day, with boss Tuchel saying neither set of players “wants to play this match”.
France defender Konate shared those sentiments on the eve of the Miami encounter, saying: “Indeed, it was not the objective.
“How do we mobilise and motivate ourselves? Well, I believe that as French players for this team, many players would have loved to compete and play this game.
“I’m not saying it is easy. Far from it. I’ve read in the press that Tuchel said that no one wants to play this game. Well, it’s true that given the aim and objective we had.
“We wanted to play the final, but we are still representing France and it is the dream of many people to wear the shirt, the jersey, and sing the Marseillaise therefore we need to respect the jersey we’re wearing.”
Golden Boot stat that could give Mbappe hope
19:36 , James HickenWinning the Golden Boot now seems the only thing Mbappe has left to reach for and with speculation circulating that he may have a diminished role in their final game - he may find some additional motivation in that the history stands in his favour for the pursuit of the Golden Boot.
The last player to win the Golden Boot and lift the World Cup in the same year was Brazil’s Ronaldo in 2002, where he scored eight goals.
France bid adieu to Didier Deschamps and a legacy tied to one question
19:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleOut at the semi-final stage, it’s farewell to Didier Deschamps for France. Richard Jolly writes on the manager’s legacy.
France bid adieu to Didier Deschamps and a legacy tied to one question
Bronze final? How about World Cup’s most pointless match? Why Fifa should retire third-place play-off
19:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleThree days after the biggest loss of their careers, England’s squad have to go again and take on Kylian Mbappe’s France in Miami. And Kieran Jackson argues: who even cares?
Why Fifa should retire pointless World Cup third-place play-off
Copa Independent | England are out – the same story but at a greater expense?
19:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is still time, by the way, to listen to the latest episode of our Copa Independent podcast as our expert team dissect the latest news and happenings from the United States. Available here, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Copa Independent | England are out – the same story but at a greater expense?
World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The Independent’s best XI from historic event
18:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe 2026 World Cup is at its final furlong. After all the build-up and a thrilling five weeks of the very highest sporting drama, there are now just two matches left.
Spain and Argentina contest the final in New Jersey on Sunday, with both having come through their semi-finals against France and England respectively.
European champions Spain were ultra-impressive in dismantling France and stopping their attacking firepower, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina side again launched a stunning comeback, scoring twice in eight minutes to beat a distraught England 2-1 on Wednesday, as they eye a second consecutive triumph on the world stage.
As for France and England, they face each other in tonight’s bronze final - the match nobody wants to play in. But having reflected on the past 102 games, we’ve decided on our best players, fitted into a 4-3-3 formation.
Here is the Independent’s World Cup team of the tournament.
World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The Independent’s best XI
England vs France: The final that could have been
18:42 , James HickenWhilst the allure of this game is greatly diminished by the fact it is for the consolation prize of 3rd place, which is agreed upon to be one of the least interesting games at this tournament, it represents a unique opportunity that no other team gets at the World Cup in the knockout stages - one more game.
There is no doubt both France and England will come into this game with the fire of being given one last chance to show what they are capable off on the biggest stage of them all. It is a metaphysical battle in overcoming the deflation and dismay of losing at the second to last hurdle, and picking oneself of the floor for one last chance to get one over on one of the best teams in the world.
England vs France would have made a more than adequate final at this tournament with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele all potentially battling for the Golden Boot - at the height of their current powers.
The challenge for these world class players is now to cast that out of their minds for one last roll of the dice and to take home a sliver of hope for their fans.
France v England facing weather delay?
18:33 , Jack RathbornCould we be in for another late night with England?
Thunderstorms are predicted at 10pm BST (5pm ET), with 32c temperatures, with a real feel of 42C.
Storms in Miami from 12pm local time, might not pass through until 6pm local time.
FIFA regulations state that the risk of lightning detected within an eight-mile radius of a stadium would enforce a one-hour delay or wait until the earliest time of play.
Rio Ferdinand's World Cup final prediction
18:20 , Jack RathbornI think it is hard to bet against Argentina. I think they have shown such great character, determination and grit. I think people have been a bit disrepectful and saying they are an average team, they’re not.
They’ve got one of the best players that has ever played the game. Even though he is 39, still one of the best players on the planet and they’ve got a great team. You don’t do what they have done in finals, in big competitions over the last few years, world champions and you call them average. I think it is out of order, it’s disrespectful.
John Stones refuses to call time on England career
18:10 , Jack Rathborn“My feeling or recollection of the game is so blurred still,” Stones said. “I’m in a state of all emotions, really.
“A lot of time since the game to reflect, play scenarios over in my head and it’s very easy to say ‘what if?’ and what we could have done, and me personally as well if I was in different positions. Yeah, it’s a tough thing to kind of get over or digest straight away and that’s the position and the cruel position that we’re in right now.
“I think it’ll become apparent and clear once the emotions die down. I think (France) coming round so quick is another good focus for us to go and get a bronze medal. Something that I’ve not been able to do.”
Didier Deschamps underlines French 'responsibility' to jersey
18:00 , Jack Rathborn“We do have a match for the third place playoff, and there's a duty,” Deschamps said.
“We have duties. I have duties, my staff has duties and so do the players. We have a responsibility to wear this jersey for all the French people who are cheering for us.
“I know it will be the last match and I also know that the French national team will be missed.
“I had the privilege for 15 years to be up here with this jersey, to experience magnificent moments, more difficult moments. The French national team is the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me in my professional career.”
John Stones yet to comprehend painful Argentina loss
17:40 , Jack Rathborn“I think everyone’s been allowed that grace period and is still going through suffering, pain,” said Stones. “A lot of things, a lot of emotions that are very natural to everyone.
“I think us as players can get quite fixated on anger or frustration from personal situations, circumstances throughout that game.
“But very quick to forget how proud we should be, or I am of every single person within our camp, our squad. The effort, the sacrifice, everything that that goes into it – not just players – that has got us to this point. The love and the belief and the support from back home. The fans in the stadium. All the moments, all the memories that that have been incredible throughout this journey.
“I think the nature of the game and the nature of us as players is we take things very personally, and that’s why we are where we are and why we are always striving for better, striving for more, and rightly so.
“We were all on the same path and the same wavelength, the same belief that we could get to the very end of this and believe that we could win it and I think everyone felt that.
“That’s why to go out in a semi-final hurts even more because we believe so much and didn’t get to where we believe we should be.”
Expected England XI v France?
17:30 , Jack RathbornWho could Thomas Tuchel rest against France?
Well, Jordan Pickford could come out for Dean Henderson.
And Kobbie Mainoo may play his first minutes of this World Cup, perhaps for the fatigued Declan Rice.
Predicted England XI: Henderson; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Mainoo, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
England v France latest odds
17:18 , Jack RathbornFrance 5/6
Draw 3/1
England 14/5
Didier Deschamps on Kylian Mbappe availability and race for golden boot
17:10 , Jack Rathborn"Whether they play or not, I have the duty as a head coach to do everything I can to reach tomorrow's objective," said Deschamps.
"I hope that we do, and we must display all the efforts to do so.
"It is one game. I have some keys in my possessions. Some players might play, others due to personal reasons will want to play.
"I do not want to betray any discussions I had with the players. I do not have all the elements but, yes, I will substitute some players."
Think you had it bad? I watched England lose to Argentina in Buenos Aires
17:00 , Jack RathbornEver felt lonely? Imagine one of seven English journalists in a park just outside Buenos Aires when Argentina have just knocked your side out of the World Cup.
Imagine being seven glum faces in a sea of blue and white delirium with 150,000 locals going mad whilst the man on the microphone leads the hordes in a chant of “Messi, Messi!”
Same old story for England fans of a certain vintage but a different way to watch a game of football for sure. Over a quarter of a century covering the England rugby team has had its share of peaks and troughs. Fifty years of supporting the England football team has been pockmarked by despair – and there was more of it to come in South America as Thomas Tuchel’s men bowed out of the tournament.
Think you had it bad? I watched England lose to Argentina in Buenos Aires
The deeper question England must answer after latest World Cup failure
16:50 , Jack RathbornEngland might have gone out of the World Cup with the kind of performance that would cause deep introspection in other countries, but there was none of it from the Football Association.
After a bland public statement about how “the players and Thomas gave it everything”, there were strong private indications that no consideration was being given to change - or much else. The FA are all in, even more assured that Tuchel is the manager to finally guide England to victory at a home Euro 2028. The deeper arguments about the future are for another day but, even in this moment, there is actually a real danger in Tuchel’s spell being broken with the players.
He was specifically appointed because of his reputation as a tactical genius who is a “winner”, well versed in getting teams over the line. And yet here were the most rudimentary tactics possible, that have cost the players a chance at history, amid inferred criticism about their “belief”.
The deeper question England must answer after latest World Cup failure
Argentina players privately stunned by Thomas Tuchel’s defensive approach to World Cup semi-final
16:40 , Jack RathbornArgentina were stunned by England’s response to taking the lead in their World Cup semi-final and were shocked by the defensive nature of Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions, having specifically prepared themselves for the introduction of pace in the second half.
The Independent understands Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was braced for the introduction of one of Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, if not both. Scaloni and his staff were aware that their side’s main vulnerability is when a game is stretched, leaving them vulnerable to speed in behind.
Argentina players remarked afterwards that they feared this exact scenario following Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal, only to gradually realise that England were dropping deeper and deeper.
Argentina players privately stunned by Thomas Tuchel’s defensive approach
Why Thomas Tuchel’s colossal England mistake is far worse than anything Gareth Southgate did
16:30 , Jack RathbornAs Thomas Tuchel sought to explain England’s self-inflicted collapse, he spoke with a bullishness that lamentably wasn’t apparent in his big, failed tactical gambit against Argentina.
There was first the hint that his team had to recede as if they were Cape Verde because the players didn’t have the necessary belief.
There was then the potential inference that any critical reading of this elimination was result-based rather than from any reading of the game, despite the evidence of how that game evolved and the fact he was specifically appointed at great expense for the end result.
“Of course, the responsibility is on the coach and if it doesn't go well, it is easy to say it was wrong,” he said.
Why Tuchel’s colossal England mistake is far worse than anything Southgate did
Thomas Tuchel blames England’s ‘DNA’ following World Cup semi-final defeatdn
16:10 , Jack Rathborn““If it happens then it has to be changed,” Tuchel said when asked if it is possible to change the English mentality. “But I’m not sure, I always try to think in football terms, in football matters. I haven’t seen the data yet but I think right after the goal, the momentum swings completely in ball possession, chances and it drops dramatically.
“We got too passive within our structure. I tried to help, not to become more passive with a back five but to be more active, to be quicker out to the wingers, not to open up the gaps between the back four.
“We encouraged everyone to step out, to be more active within the structure, but we just struggled. We couldn’t find any duels any more which was why we dropped deeper and deeper, which was never the plan but it happened.
“We needed to get back on the ball otherwise you cannot break the pressure and you cannot get the momentum back.
“I think ball possession plays a crucial role. It’s maybe not in our DNA like it is in the Spanish DNA or Argentinian or Brazilian DNA to take the ball, control the game and the ball, which is also a big problem.”
How could England look at Euro 2028 under Thomas Tuchel? The six recalls and one major change required
16:00 , Jack RathbornThomas Tuchel wants to carry on as England manager. The FA want him to continue. They can try and portray it as part of a journey. His contract lasts for another two years and a home European Championships could always be more winnable than a World Cup on the other side of the Atlantic. In 2028, England need not fear defeat to Argentina.
But it was not merely the semi-final setback in Atlanta that underlined the need for England to be different in two years’ time. Tuchel’s Plan B – retreat and hang on for dear life – backfired against Argentina, but his broader style of play may require refining. If Spain win the World Cup, it will underline the sense that possession matters. England’s share in this tournament – 54 per cent – is far lower than Spain’s 63.
How could England look at Euro 2028? The six recalls and one major change required
Donald Trump questions Thomas Tuchel’s tactics in World Cup loss: ‘Harry Kane on defence?’
15:50 , Jack RathbornDonald Trump has remarkably become the latest person to question Thomas Tuchel’s tactics in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat.
“You have a great player in England, who I played golf with,” Trump said on Friday, at a Fifa reception in the same city. “You know that, right? He is Harry, who’s been fantastic.
“I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player,” Trump continued, referring to the England captain’s role as a striker, and Tuchel’s defensive moves, which led every player to get behind the ball.
“What do I know about soccer?” Trump added. “They took the lead, and they took their best player, and they put him on defence. Then somehow...
“We got to be a little offensive, right? But no, I’m not gonna call it... Look, what do I know about coaching?
“I thought that was a little unusual, but Harry is a great guy actually.”
England v France – Three Lions train before World Cup 2026 bronze match
15:40 , Jack Rathborn
World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The Independent’s best XI from historic event
15:30 , Jack RathbornThe 2026 World Cup is at its final furlong. After all the build-up and a thrilling five weeks of the very highest sporting drama, there are now just two matches left.
Spain and Argentina contest the final in New Jersey on Sunday, with both having come through their semi-finals against France and England respectively.
European champions Spain were ultra-impressive in dismantling France and stopping their attacking firepower, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina side again launched a stunning comeback, scoring twice in eight minutes to beat a distraught England 2-1 on Wednesday, as they eye a second consecutive triumph on the world stage.
As for France and England, they face each other in tonight’s bronze final - the match nobody wants to play in. But having reflected on the past 102 games, we’ve decided on our best players, fitted into a 4-3-3 formation.
Here is the Independent’s World Cup team of the tournament.
World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The Independent’s best XI
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings
15:20 , Jack Rathborn1. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 8 goals (4 assists) - 712 minutes played
2. Kylian Mbappe (France), 8 goals, (3 assists) - 666 minutes played
3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 7 goals (0 assists) - 537 minutes played
= 4. Jude Bellingham (England), 6 goals (1 assist) - 678 minutes played
= 4 Harry Kane (England), 6 goals (1 assist) - 732 minutes played
6. Ousmane Dembele (France), 5 goals (2 assists) - 595 minutes played
England v France – Les Bleus train before World Cup 2026 bronze match
15:00 , Jack Rathborn
Bronze final? How about World Cup’s most pointless match? Why Fifa should bin off third-place play-off
14:50 , Jack RathbornThe unique allure and jeopardy of World Cup matches, the exclusivity of such seismic occasions every four years, are undoubtedly the tournament’s greatest asset. It’s what stirs the senses, arouses tension, triggers drama. And yet, heading into this weekend’s final furlong, the World Cup’s penultimate match continues to be a showdown that nobody – players, fans, broadcasters – really cares about.
Why Fifa should bin off pointless World Cup third-place play-off
Pep Guardiola ‘had verbal agreement’ to become England boss as Thomas Tuchel exit clauses revealed
14:40 , Jack RathbornPep Guardiola had a “verbal agreement” to become England boss before Thomas Tuchel was appointed and may still be interested in the role.
Questions have been raised over Tuchel’s future after England’s bitterly disappointing World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina in the semi-final, with many criticising the German’s tactics in a game that saw the Three Lions succumb to a late comeback after leading.
There are calls for Tuchel to be sacked by the FA with many pointing to Guardiola, fresh off leaving Manchester City at the end of last season, as a dream replacement.
Guardiola ‘had agreement’ to become England boss as Thomas exit clauses revealed
How England’s World Cup dream unravelled to leave one agonising regret
14:30 , Jack RathbornIt 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.
How England’s World Cup dream unravelled to leave one agonising regret
Thomas Tuchel responds after Donald Trump criticism
14:15 , Jack Rathborn"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
12:40 , Jack RathbornFrance 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
12:39 , Jack RathbornFrance 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
12:19 , Jack RathbornWelcome 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.
