How to watch France v England, team news, predicted line-ups and more | OneFootball

England and France meet for one final time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the two European heavyweights battle it out for third place.

Both nations suffered semi-final heartbreak, with England beaten 2-1 by Argentina despite taking the lead through Anthony Gordon, while France were comfortably defeated 2-0 by Spain.

Although neither side will have achieve their ultimate aim of lifting the trophy, there is still the chance to end the tournament on a positive note by claiming the bronze medal.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game…

Kick-off time in the UK

The World Cup third-place play-off will take place on Saturday, July 18, with kick off at 10pm BST.

How to watch in the UK

TV channel: BBC One

Streaming: BBC iPlayer

Team news

Thomas Tuchel is expected to rotate his side after England’s exhausting semi-final defeat to Argentina, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Ollie Watkins and Ebere Eze in line for game time.

William Saliba went off injured in the semi-final defeat to Spain and is set to miss out. Kylian Mbappe may start again in his bid to win the Golden Boot at the tournament.

Predicted line-ups

England (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Quansah, Chalobah, Burn, Spence; Mainoo, Anderson; Madueke, Eze, Rashford; Watkins

France (4-2-3-1): Samba; Gusto, Lacroix, Konate, Hernandez; Kone, Zaire-Emery; Doue, Cherki, Barcola; Mbappe

Recent form

Both sides suffered semi-final defeats, hence their involvement in this game, with England losing to Argentina and France losing to Spain. Before that, England had beaten DR Congo, Mexico and Norway in the knockouts, while France overcame Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco before losing int he semis.

What’s been said?

England boss Thomas Tuchel: “It’s a chance to have the best result in 60 years for England,” he stressed. “It is a big game against one of the very best teams in the world, and maybe the team in the best shape until the semi-final.

“Mentality is not something you switch on and switch off. It’s a moment to show what we are made of, what we showed through the whole tournament.”

France boss Didier Deschamps: “When you wear the France shirt, it’s not just about what you receive, it’s about what you give back. We have a responsibility to all the French people who have followed us, celebrated with us and suffered with us.”