France and England have named their starting line-ups ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff, with both nations eager to end their campaigns on a high by claiming the bronze medal.
France head coach has made several changes to the side, handing Rayan Cherki a starting role alongside Michael Olise and Désiré Doué in attack, while captain Kylian Mbappé leads the line.
Theo Hernández returns at left-back, with Ibrahima Konaté and Castello Lukeba’s replacement Nathaniel Lacroix forming the central defensive partnership in front of goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
For England, Harry Kane starts on the bench as Ivan Toney is handed the responsibility of leading the attack. Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers provide support in an exciting forward line, while Dean Henderson gets the nod in goal. Kobbie Mainoo is absent from the matchday starting XI.
France Starting XI
Mike Maignan; Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konaté, Lacroix, Theo Hernández; Warren Zaïre-Emery, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé (Captain).
England Starting XI
Dean Henderson; Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Djed Spence; Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze; Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka; Ivan Toney.
With both teams narrowly missing out on a place in the final, the third-place playoff presents one final opportunity to finish the tournament with a victory and secure the FIFA World Cup bronze medal.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
