England face France in the World Cup third place play-off in Miami on Saturday, July 18, 2026. A simulation on EA Sports FC 26 by the Mirror predicts a dramatic 3-2 victory for France, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick and Harry Kane missing a penalty.
Simulated Starting Line-ups
The simulation forecast an England starting line-up largely consistent with previous selections by head coach Thomas Tuchel. Djed Spence filled in for the injured Reece James at right-back, while Morgan Rogers retained his position on the right wing ahead of a half-fit Bukayo Saka.
England simulated starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham; Morgan Rogers, Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon.
Match Events
According to the simulation, France took the lead in under 10 minutes when Spence was adjudged to have fouled Adrien Rabiot in the area, and Mbappe converted the penalty. England equalised on 29 minutes through Morgan Rogers, who surged past his marker and drilled a shot beyond Maignan.
France regained the lead four minutes later after a Marc Guehi handball, with Mbappe scoring his second penalty. Maignan then saved a Kane penalty before the interval, after Lucas Digne handled in the area. Kane smashed his effort against the post, and France led 2-1 at half-time.
Mbappe completed his hat-trick five minutes into the second half, volleying from a Jules Kounde cross. Elliot Anderson pulled one back for England on 54 minutes, firing into the top left corner after a backheel assist from Kane.
Result
The simulation ended France 3-2 England. Despite a spirited fightback, England could not find an equaliser. The simulation suggests another thrilling encounter between the two sides, but disappointment for England as they miss out on a World Cup medal.
