England take on France in the World Cup bronze final tonight, a match neither side wanted after semi-final defeats. The Three Lions were beaten 2-1 by Argentina in Atlanta, while France fell 2-0 to Spain in Arlington, Texas. Both managers face uncertain futures: Thomas Tuchel, appointed to win the tournament, will face an inquest, while Didier Deschamps ends his tenure as France boss after this match.
Date, kick-off time and venue
England vs France is scheduled for a 10pm BST kick-off on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Miami Stadium.
Where to watch England vs France for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 9.30pm BST. Live stream: UK viewers can catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer app or the channel’s website. Live blog: Follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Dom Smith at the ground. Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer app and their websites.
England vs France team news
Tuchel may rotate with players like Trevoh Chalobah, Kobbie Mainoo, Dean Henderson, and James Trafford yet to feature. Jordan Henderson is out with a fractured arm sustained after the 3-2 win over Mexico. Declan Rice, struggling with lower back and hamstring injuries, plus illness before the Norway and Argentina matches, could be rested. Reece James, returning in the semi-final, is unlikely to play due to hamstring issues. Jarell Quansah could return after serving a two-match ban for his red card against Mexico. Fringe players Eberechi Eze, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney may get minutes.
France also have squad depth. Deschamps, not one to rotate heavily, may experiment before his exit. Brice Samba or Robin Risser could start in goal over Mike Maignan. Chelsea’s Malo Gusto could play at full-back. William Saliba was forced off with a back injury against Spain; Maxence Lacroix, who replaced him, could start. Lucas Hernandez has been starved of minutes. N’Golo Kante, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Maghnes Akliouche will want to impress the new boss. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marcus Thuram hope for rare starts, potentially resting Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford. Defenders: Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah, Dan Burn, Reece James, Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah. Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze. Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Ivan Toney.
France squad
Goalkeepers: Brice Samba, Mike Maignan, Robin Risser. Defenders: Malo Gusto, Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez, Lucas Hernandez, Maxence Lacroix. Midfielders: Manu Kone, Aurelien Tchouameni, N'Golo Kante, Adrien Rabiot, Warren Zaire-Emery, Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche. Forwards: Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta.
England vs France prediction
Both sides have arguably the best depth in the tournament but meet in the bronze final. A matchup against France in the final would have been ominous for England, but now, against a rotated side and with emotions high amid Deschamps' departure, there could be a chance for England to get one over their familiar foes. The stakes are low compared to Sunday's final, but quality on both sides should produce an entertaining encounter. France to win, 2-1.
Head to head history and results
England wins: 17. France wins: 10. Draws: 5.
England vs France match odds
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