Thomas Tuchel is expected to make significant changes to his starting lineup when England face France in the World Cup 2026 bronze final on Saturday. The Three Lions will look to finish the tournament in third place after losing their semi-final 2-1 to Argentina in heartbreaking late fashion in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Tuchel to rotate squad for bronze match
Tuchel will alter his team back in sweltering Miami as he manages fatigue and looks to give minutes to players who have supported the squad but featured less than some of his regulars. Captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham should both be keen to start the game, given they each have six goals and are still chasing the World Cup Golden Boot. Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi currently lead the race with eight goals apiece.
Reece James went off injured in the second half of the Argentina semi-final, so Tuchel may have to swap Djed Spence to the right of defence. Alternatively, he could use Jarell Quansah, who has now finished serving an extended two-match suspension handed down by FIFA following his red card in the memorable last-16 win over Mexico.
Declan Rice likely to be rested
Declan Rice has looked notably fatigued during the tournament, having also battled illness, a calf issue and ongoing neural pain in his hamstring and lower back. The Arsenal star — rarely taken off by club or country — was substituted at half-time against Norway in the quarter-finals and again with 18 minutes to play against Argentina. Rice could be rested here, with Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo yet to play a single minute at this tournament.
At centre-back, Tuchel can select from Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, John Stones and Dan Burn, or hand a World Cup debut to late call-up Trevoh Chalobah. Eberechi Eze, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney will all be keen for more game time further forward after seeing their usage limited so far.
Goalkeeper decision and other injuries
In goal, Tuchel has a decision to make over whether to stick with first-choice option Jordan Pickford or give either of his understudies — Dean Henderson and James Trafford — their first World Cup minutes. Tuchel has tended to use a 4-2-3-1 formation during the World Cup, as have France. Jordan Henderson remains unavailable due to the freak arm injury he suffered celebrating the win over Mexico, which required surgery.
England predicted XI vs France (4-2-3-1)
Pickford; Quansah, Burn, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Rogers, Rashford; Kane. Doubt: James. Injured: J Henderson.
Time and date: 10pm BST on Saturday July 18, 2026. Venue: Miami Stadium. How to watch: BBC One.
