An EA FC 26 simulation of the World Cup third-place play-off between England and France has predicted a 3-2 defeat for the Three Lions, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a brace and Harry Kane missing a penalty. The match, dubbed the 'bronze final' by FIFA, sees England aiming for their second-best World Cup finish but falling short in a dramatic encounter.
England's Starting XI
Thomas Tuchel opted for a predictable starting lineup, with Djed Spence replacing the injured Reece James at right-back and Morgan Rogers keeping his place on the right wing ahead of a half-fit Bukayo Saka. The simulated XI was: Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham; Morgan Rogers, Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon.
Match Summary
France took the lead inside 10 minutes after a contentious penalty, converted by Mbappe. England equalised on 29 minutes through Rogers, who drove past his marker and fired past Maignan. However, France regained the lead four minutes later via another penalty, this time for a handball by Guehi. Kane then missed a penalty of his own before half-time, hitting the post.
Mbappe extended France's lead five minutes into the second half with a volley from a Kounde cross. Anderson pulled one back for England on 54 minutes after a backheel assist from Kane, but England could not find an equaliser. Pickford made a fine save to deny Mbappe a hat-trick, but the Three Lions fell short.
Impact
England have now lost all three third-place play-offs they have contested (1990, 2018, 2026). The simulation highlights England's defensive frailties and missed opportunities, with Tuchel's tactics coming under scrutiny. According to the simulation, France's experience and clinical finishing proved decisive in a match that was an entertaining advertisement for the bronze final.
