Match preview: England, France battle for World Cup third place

England and France will face each other in the FIFA World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday, a match that adds a layer of significance beyond mere ranking. Pride, the race for the Golden Boot, and the potential conclusion of Didier Deschamps' 14-year reign as France's coach all lend weight to a fixture neither side expected to contest.

Both teams suffered semi-final defeats, with France losing 2-0 to Spain and England conceding a late lead to fall 2-1 against Argentina. The Golden Boot race is also a key subplot, with France's Kylian Mbappé and Argentina's Lionel Messi currently tied at eight goals. England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are on six goals each and could still challenge for the award.

“

Messi is pure history, says Argentine coach ahead of World Cup final

France faces defensive concerns, with William Saliba expected to miss the match due to a recurring back problem. Maxence Lacroix is likely to partner Ibrahima Konaté in central defense. Theo Hernández is set to start at left-back, and Warren Zaïre-Emery and Rayan Cherki are anticipated to feature in the starting lineup, with Mbappé leading the attack.

“

World Cup final: Scaloni, former teacher De la Fuente share emotional embrace

England also has injury worries, including Reece James, who is likely to be sidelined with a muscular issue, potentially seeing Djed Spence deputize at right-back. Jordan Henderson remains unavailable due to a broken wrist. Jude Bellingham's participation is uncertain pending a possible FIFA disciplinary review following an altercation after the semi-final. Morgan Rogers might make his first start of the tournament, and Kobbie Mainoo could also see his first action.

France had won their opening six matches before their semi-final loss, with Mbappé scoring prolifically. This game will also mark Deschamps' final match after a successful 14-year period that included the 2018 World Cup title and a runner-up finish in 2022. England, who have relied on individual brilliance throughout the tournament, have a history of losing third-place play-offs, having been defeated in 1990 and 2018. A victory would mark England's best-ever performance in this fixture.

“

Facing Yamal in the final after baby photo is ‘crazy’, Messi