Mbappé Starts as France Fields Six Changes Against England

Kylian Mbappé will start for France in their World Cup third-place playoff match against England, marking a significant change in the lineup. Coach Didier Deschamps has opted for six alterations from the team that lost 2-0 to Spain in the semi-finals.

Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Mbappé are the only players retained from the previous match. Deschamps aims to end the tournament on a positive note by giving playing time to players who have had fewer opportunities during the competition in America.

In attack, Rayan Cherki will play as an attacking midfielder. Warren Zaïre-Emery will partner Rabiot in midfield, a pairing that was weakened when Rabiot was substituted at halftime against Spain. The entire defense has been changed, with Gusto, Konaté, Lacroix, and T. Hernandez set to play. Maignan remains in goal as Brice Samba is injured.

England will also see changes. Coach Thomas Tuchel, reportedly not a strong proponent of the third-place match, has decided to rest key players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Jordan Pickford will be replaced by Dean Henderson in goal. Declan Rice of Arsenal will captain the team in Kane's absence.