England XI vs France – Predicted lineup and team news

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18 July 2026

England face

France

at Miami Stadium on Saturday evening in the

World Cup

third-place play-off, with the chance to secure their best

finish since winning the tournament in 1966.

The 2–1 defeat to Argentina in Atlanta left a deep mark. Anthony Gordon’s opener was cancelled out by two Messi-assisted goals in the final ten minutes — Enzo Fernández in the 82nd minute and Lautaro Martínez in stoppage time. Thomas Tuchel has admitted “none of these players want to play this match” but added they will approach it professionally. Saturday offers the chance to end the tournament with a win and claim the bronze medal

England

have never won.

Reece James is out with the muscular problem he sustained against Argentina. Jordan Henderson remains sidelined with a broken wrist. Jude Bellingham’s involvement was subject to a potential

FIFA

ruling after an incident with Argentina’s Valentín Barco after the final whistle — no ban has been announced and he is expected to play.

Tuchel is expected to rotate significantly. Declan Rice is likely to be rested — the Arsenal midfielder has been managing physical problems throughout the tournament and the club season begins in weeks. Jarell Quansah returns from suspension and is expected to start at right back, with Djed Spence moving to left back.

Bukayo Saka is also expected to be rested given her Achilles problem. Bellingham drops deeper into central midfield alongside Elliot Anderson, with Morgan Rogers operating in the number ten position. Noni Madueke starts on the right flank and

Anthony Gordon

on the left.

Harry Kane and

Jude Bellingham

each have six tournament goals, leaving both two behind Messi and Mbappe in the Golden Boot race — with goals here counting towards the final tally. Kobbie Mainoo, unused all tournament, is expected to feature from the bench.

England possible starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, Spence; Bellingham, Anderson; Madueke, Rogers, Gordon; Kane

The

third-place play-off kicks off at 22:00 BST on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

See Also-

France vs England – Match preview and team news

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