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Seeking a first-ever World Cup bronze medal to paper over the cracks, England hit the road to face France in Saturday's third-placed playoff in Miami.
The Three Lions were made to pay for their passive approach in a 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina, while Les Bleus were deservedly dispatched 2-0 by Spain in the last four.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both nations.
FRANCE vs. ENGLAND
FRANCE
Out: William Saliba (back)
Doubtful: Brice Samba (unspecified)
Sports Mole's predicted XI: Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Lacroix, T. Hernandez; Kone, Zaire-Emery; Cherki, Olise, Doue; Mbappe
ENGLAND
Out: Jordan Henderson (wrist)
Doubtful: Reece James (unspecified)
Sports Mole's predicted XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Vote in the Sports Mole World Cup 2026 Readers’ Awards!
Cast your votes for the 2026 World Cup awards; from player of the tournament and breakout star, to best attacker and biggest disappointment.
Voting will be open until 11pm UK time on Monday, July 20, and the winners announced on Tuesday, July 21!
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William Saliba
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Reece James
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England
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