The FIFA World Cup third-place play-off is often considered the least desirable fixture of the tournament. The match carries a strange atmosphere: it is played by two teams that came within one step of the final but now have to fight for a bronze medal instead of the trophy.

England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted that neither side would have preferred to be involved in this game. “None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match,” he told reporters, explaining that both teams had wanted to compete in the final after giving everything to reach that stage.

France boss Didier Deschamps showed a more determined approach ahead of his final match in charge of the national team. The French coach insisted that third place was still worth competing for, although he accepted the disappointment of missing out on the main prize.

The starting line-ups chosen by both managers are likely to reveal how seriously each team approaches the contest. Rotation is expected, but there remains an opportunity for several players to improve their personal World Cup records.

France search for a strong finish after Spain’s defeat

France arrived at the semi-final stage after a comfortable run through the tournament, but their journey ended against Spain. Deschamps’ team had not previously faced an opponent capable of limiting the attacking threat of their front four, but Spain’s midfield quality and disciplined defence proved decisive.

The French side managed only 0.31 expected goals against Spain, their lowest total recorded in a World Cup match. The performance highlighted the difficulties they faced when coming up against a team able to control possession and reduce their attacking influence.

Despite the setback, Deschamps has the chance to end his time as France manager with a positive result. His achievements with the national team have already placed him among the most significant figures in French football.

Last 5 France matches stats

England reflect on missed opportunity against Argentina

England were closer than France to reaching the final, which made their semi-final exit even harder to accept. Their match against Argentina was a tight contest for long periods, with the balance shifting after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead in the second half.

However, England was unable to build on that advantage. Instead of maintaining pressure, they moved deeper and allowed Argentina’s key players more influence. During the 30-minute period after taking the lead and before Enzo Fernández’s equaliser, England had only 12% possession.

That approach proved costly as Argentina responded and Lionel Messi played a decisive role, adding two more assists to his World Cup record. England were left to reflect on another missed chance at reaching the final stage.

The third-place match will also bring back memories of previous occasions when England competed for bronze. The Three Lions lost this fixture against Italy in 1990 and Belgium in 2018.

Last 5 England matches stats

World Cup history, records and key names before the final meeting

France has reached the third-place play-off for the fourth time in their history. They defeated Germany in 1958, lost to Poland in 1982, and beat Belgium in 1986. Each of those matches produced at least five goals.

The game could provide one final opportunity for Harry Kane to add to his World Cup record. The England forward has scored 14 goals in the competition, placing him level with Gerd Müller and one behind Ronaldo Nazario, who has 15.

Kylian Mbappé also enters the match with a chance to increase his impressive tally. The French forward has scored 20 World Cup goals, while Lionel Messi leads the competition’s all-time scoring list with 21. Mbappé’s age gives him the possibility of chasing the record in the future, although football remains unpredictable.

The history between France and England at the World Cup has been closely contested. The teams have met three times in the tournament, with England winning the first two encounters — 2-0 in 1966 and 3-1 in 1982 — before France claimed a 2-1 victory in the 2022 quarter-finals.

Overall, England have won only one of their last nine matches against France, with two draws and six defeats. In competitive meetings, the Three Lions have not beaten France since their 3-1 World Cup victory in 1982, recording two draws and two losses since then.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

France heads into this third-place play-off as slight favourites due to their recent World Cup success, individual quality, and greater experience in high-pressure matches. Didier Deschamps’ side have consistently shown the ability to compete at the highest level, and players such as Kylian Mbappé provide the attacking threat needed to punish any defensive mistakes. England, however, have plenty of reasons to believe they can finish the tournament strongly. The Three Lions were close to reaching the final and possess enough talent across the squad to trouble France, especially if they approach the game with more attacking intent than they showed after taking the lead in the semi-final. Both teams are expected to make changes, which could create a more open and unpredictable contest than their previous knockout matches. France may have more attacking firepower, but England’s motivation to avoid another disappointing third-place finish could make this a closely fought encounter.

Prediction: France 2-1 England

Expected outcome: A narrow French victory in a match where both teams are likely to rotate their squads but still compete seriously for a positive ending to their World Cup campaigns. France’s experience in this type of fixture and their attacking quality could prove decisive, although England have enough talent to make the contest competitive until the final whistle. A draw would not be a major surprise, but France appears to have a slight advantage based on their ability to produce moments of individual brilliance.