France vs England – Predicted lineup and team news

In partnership with

The Football Faithful

·18 July 2026

France vs England – Predicted lineup and team news 

France face England at Miami Stadium on Saturday evening in the World Cup third-place play-off, Didier Deschamps’ final match as manager after 14 years in charge.

Deschamps announced before the tournament that this World Cup would be his last as France manager. The 2–0 defeat to Spain was not the ending he wanted. A win here at least delivers a bronze medal — France’s third World Cup podium finish — and the chance to send Deschamps out with a victory. Kylian Mbappe arrives level on eight goals with Messi in the Golden Boot standings, trailing on the assists tiebreaker by one. Every goal here matters.

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France team news

William Saliba will not play. The Arsenal centre-back was forced off against Spain before half-time with the back problem that has followed him across the second half of this tournament. Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace, who replaced him in Arlington, is expected to start alongside Ibrahima Konaté. Jules Koundé continues at right back. Theo Hernandez replaces Lucas Digne at left back, a change prompted by the difficulties Digne encountered against Yamal in the semi-final.

Deschamps rotates in midfield. Warren Zaïre-Emery of PSG comes in alongside Manu Koné, giving the departing manager the opportunity to rest Adrien Rabiot. In attack, Rayan Cherki earns his first World Cup start — the extremely skilled Man City playmaker has been on the periphery throughout the tournament.

Désiré Doué is expected to start alongside Michael Olise. Kylian Mbappe starts, his motivation sharpened by the Golden Boot race — he is level on eight goals with Messi but trails on the assists tiebreaker and goals here count. Mike Maignan continues in goal.