Five England players who deserve to play against France in World Cup bronze final

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The Independent

17 July 2026

Like it or loathe it, there is one more challenge for

England

this summer after their devastating

World Cup

semi-final defeat to Argentina.

The

Three Lions

face

France

in the bronze final, or third-place play-off

as it’s more commonly known

, on Saturday night in Miami.

Just three days after their loss in Atlanta,

Thomas Tuchel

’s side have to go again against a

side who will have Kylian Mbappe hungry for goals as he eyes a second consecutive golden boot.

Yet which route will Tuchel go down with his team selection? Does he stay strong or pick some fringe players?

Here’s five players who deserve to play against

What a mystery the 21-year-old has been at this

The Manchester United midfielder, who made the squad after an impressive run of form to close the club season, has not featured at all in the seven games

have played, despite Declan Rice’s injury issues in central midfield.

Expect Mainoo to be handed a starting berth on Saturday, though, as one of only two outfield players in the

squad not to have a minute in North America.

open image in gallery

Kobbie Mainoo (right) has not been picked by Thomas Tuchel so far this summer (PA)

It will be interesting to see what Tuchel decides to do with his goalkeeper.

Jordan Pickford started the third-place play-off eight years ago in Russia as

lost 2-0 to Belgium. Yet often, top-tier nations pick their second-string keeper in this game.

If Tuchel opts to pick a back-up, Palace keeper Henderson feels the more likely pick over James Trafford.

A late replacement for the injured Tino Livramento, Chalobah’s inclusion in the squad always felt a bit strange.

Given England’s right-back plight, Tuchel’s decision to replace a wing-back with a centre-back was an interesting call and not once has it looked likely that Chalobah would feature.

Until now.

Sent off against Mexico, Quansah has completed his two-match ban and is back available for Saturday’s game.

Bayer Leverkusen

defender became only the fourth

player to be sent off in a

match after his VAR-triggered red card against Mexico.

Tuchel could not call upon his services in the last 10 days but, fresh and raring to go, expect Quansah to get the nod at the back.

England’s

Jarell Quansah

reacts after being shown a red card during the team’s 3-2 win over Mexico (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire)

A difference-maker two years ago in the Euros, Watkins has played just six minutes at this tournament after coming on as a late substitute against Panama.

England’s reliance on Harry Kane up front has limited opportunities for Watkins and Ivan Toney. Kane, chasing at least two goals to stay in golden boot contention, may well start again on Saturday – but surely Watkins will get some time off the bench in the second-half?

Toney could be needed too, particularly if it goes beyond 90 minutes and to penalties.

Frustration over Kobbie Mainoo's unclear role in England's World Cup squad

caughtoffside

Thomas Tuchel did not like what he saw from Man United star Kobbie Mainoo in training ahead of England v Ghana

SportsView

EXCLUSIVE | Michael Owen on Michael Olise: ‘He’s lethal and would walk into any team in the world.’

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England: Reason Thomas Tuchel snubbed unhappy Kobbie Mainoo at World Cup revealed

Football365

England vs France offers Manu Kone the perfect stage to seal his £47m move to Man United

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