France vs. England: Mbappe Starts, Bellingham and Kane on Bench

Kylian Mbappe will lead France's attack from the start against England in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff, held at Miami Stadium on Sunday. England, meanwhile, has benched key players Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. This match presents a significant opportunity for Mbappe to extend his goal tally in pursuit of the Golden Boot and to challenge Lionel Messi's record as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. The game also marks Didier Deschamps' final match as the 57-year-old coach of the French national team. Deschamps has opted for a substantial reshuffle following France's 0-2 semifinal defeat to Spain, altering nearly the entire defensive line. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan retains his spot, protected by a new back four of Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konate, Maxence Lacroix, and Theo Hernandez. The midfield will feature Warren Zaire-Emery, Rayan Cherki, and Adrien Rabiot, with Michael Olise and Desire Doue supporting Mbappe upfront. England's coach, Thomas Tuchel, has also implemented significant changes from their semifinal clash against Argentina. Dean Henderson will start in goal, flanked by a defense of Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, and Djed Spence. The midfield comprises Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, and captain Declan Rice. Kobbie Mainoo is sidelined due to injury, missing his chance for a World Cup debut. Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Marcus Rashford form the attacking trio. For England, a victory would represent their best World Cup performance since their sole triumph in 1966.