France and England Clash in Third-Place Playoff as Deschamps Concludes His France Tenure

France and England will contest the third‑place playoff at the 2026 World Cup in Miami. This match marks Didier Deschamps’ final appearance as France manager after a 14‑year tenure, as both teams aim to recover from their semi‑final defeats.

Official lineups for France-England

England: Maignan – Gusto, Konaté, Lacroix, T. Hernandez – Zaire-Emery, Rabiot – Olise, Cherki, Doué – Mbappé (c).

England: Henderson – Quansah, Konsa, Guéhi, Spence – Rice (c), Eze – Saka, Rogers, Rashford – Toney.

18/07/2026 – 22:23

18/07/2026 – 22:28

18/07/2026 – 22:24

Les Bleus’ pitch inspection

Mbappé’s farewell to Deschamps

Today marks your final dance. You have given us so much. We wished we could have provided a more fitting farewell, but we fell short. Describing the impact you have had over 14 years is challenging, as you have been a central figure in the team’s revival. While appreciation has not always been universal, time and history will recognize your greatness… Thank you for granting me the opportunity to represent my country on the world’s greatest stage for so many years. I feel privileged to have stood alongside one of our nation’s greatest legends, and I cherish the memories we have shared. I wish you all the best in your next adventure, and thank you once again for everything you have contributed to this shirt, which means so much to us.

Deschamps rotates for final farewell

Didier Deschamps has implemented extensive changes for his final match as France manager. A completely new defensive line takes the field, with Warren Zaïre‑Emery earning his first start in midfield alongside Rabiot. Désiré Doué begins on the left, while Rayan Cherki takes the central role in place of Michael Olise, who moves to the right. Kylian Mbappé leads the attack, chasing his eighth goal to defend his Golden Boot title!

Les Bleus’ locker room

Three Lions arrive in Miami

One hour until kick-off!

Les Bleus’ starting XI

England’s starting XI

Hello and welcome!

Welcome to our live coverage of the France‑England third‑place playoff at the 2026 World Cup in Miami! Didier Deschamps is preparing for his final match as France manager after 14 years in charge, while both teams aim to redeem themselves following their semi‑final setbacks.

Didier Deschamps is preparing for his final match as France manager after 14 years in charge, while both teams seek redemption following their semi‑final disappointments!

18/07/2026 – 21:50

18/07/2026 – 21:47

This match signifies the end of Didier Deschamps’ record‑breaking tenure as France manager. The coach will oversee his 185th and final match in charge of Les Bleus, aiming to conclude his era with a victory. Deschamps guided France through a golden era, though his tenure concludes on a bittersweet note following the semi‑final loss to Spain.

Kylian Mbappé enters the match with added motivation, tied with Lionel Messi at eight World Cup goals as they chase the Golden Boot. The French star also eyes World Cup history, having scored 20 tournament goals — just one shy of Messi’s all‑time record of 21.

Under Thomas Tuchel, England arrive in Miami still reeling from their dramatic semi‑final defeat to Argentina. Having been on the brink of a first World Cup final in six decades, the Three Lions saw a 2‑1 lead evaporate in a heartbreaking comeback by Messi’s side. The team’s disappointment is evident, and their enthusiasm for the third‑place encounter appears limited…

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