England vs France LIVE: World Cup 2026 match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction

GettyThe penultimate game of the 2026 World Cup sees the two losing semi-finalists face off for the bronze medal. Previously called the ‘third-place play-off’, this Miami match-up is now known as the ‘Bronze final’. Unfortunately, that will do little to comfort England or France tonight as they wrestle with coming up short once again on the grandest stage.This will be Didier Deschamps’ final match in chage of Les Blues, after 14 years in charge, and will bow out with one World Cup win and two final appearances. The same could be true for Thomas Tuchel, who will face a stern review of the tournament from his bosses at the Football Association, despite being contract to the job until after Euro 2028.Changes are expected from both teams, so the likes of Kobbie Mainoo or Trevoh Chalobah may get their first taste of World Cup action for the Three Lions. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith at the Miami Stadium, also known as the Hard Rock Stadium.England vs France latest newsWhy is there a World Cup bronze final? The short answer is revenue, as a third-place play-off gives FIFA another game in which to drive ticket sales, while broadcasters can sell advertising spots in exchange for showing the game.The third-place play-off also has an impact on the global rankings and gives players an opportunity to restore some pride and end their tournament on a high.For some players, like Mbappe, the third-place play-off offers a chance to win personal accolades such as the Golden Boot or the Golden Glove.The first third-place play-off was introduced in 1934, the second edition of the World Cup, with Germany beating Austria 3-2.Before that, at the 1930 edition, third place was decided on goal difference.There was no third-place play-off in 1954, with FIFA opting for a round-robin format for the first World Cup after World War 2.The third-place play-off was then reintroduced in 1954 and has remained part of the tournament ever since.FIFA announced in 2026 that they would call the third-place play-off the Bronze final.Getty ImagesWhat the experts think: Heskey and PetitEmile Heskey: France are deadly – but England can beat them"France were my favourites going into the tournament, and are still my favourites now [for the third place playoff]. It's hard to look past them. They are eye-catching, easy to watch, and deadly."That said, I think we'd give them a good run and could beat them on our day. Defensively we'd have to be very solid, but attacking-wise I see goals. I don't think they could stop us from scoring, though I can see them scoring as well."Emmanuel Petit: Every time France have played against England they have struggled"Every time we played against England recently, we struggled. When we won 2-1, England were better than France, but we won it. It is very difficult to predict that game."I believe in our weapons up front. We have quality in the back and midfield, but our strikers are unbelievable and can break any defence."The pair were speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest World Cup odds.PALatest oddsThe bookies agree with us, with France the clear favourites to win tonight.France: 10/11Draw: 29/10England: 29/10Either Team in Extra Time: 13/2Either Team in Penalty Shootout: 5/1France in Extra Time: 10/1England in Extra Time: 17/1France in Penalty Shootout: 9/1England in Penalty Shootout - 10/1(Odds via Betfair, subject to change.)Score predictionBoth sides have arguably the best depth in the whole tournament, and yet they find themselves in the newly-named ‘Bronze final’. In reality, a matchup in the final against France would have been seen as ominous for Tuchel’s men, but now, perhaps against a rotated side and with emotions high amid Deschamps’ imminent departure, there could be a chance to get one over their familiar foes. It seems unlikely that this will break out into an all-time classic given how low the stakes are in comparison to Sunday’s showpiece, but there is still plenty of quality within either sides’ reserve ranks to produce an entertaining encounter. Early France team newsThe same can be said for France. There are plenty of bodies in Les Bleus’ squad that will be crying out for some game time, with Deschamps not one to rotate heavily during the competition. Now, however, he could be tempted to experiment one last time before he hands over the reins. The likes of Brice Samba or Robin Risser could get the nod over Mike Maignan in goal, while Chelsea’s Malo Gusto could get a run-out at full-back.Lucas Hernandez is another that has been starved of minutes, while N’Golo Kante, Warren Zaire-Emery and Maghnes Akliouche will all want to put themselves in the spotlight for the incoming new boss. Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram will also be hoping for a rare start, perhaps giving the five stars - Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele - a rest. GettyEarly England team newsHow do the Three Lions approach this game? There are players in Tuchel’s cohort that have not even played a minute at this tournament, the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Kobbie Mainoo, Dean Henderson and James Trafford.Declan Rice could well be one of the names that is rested after struggling with lower back and hamstring injuries throughout the campaign, and he also battled illness before (and during) the Norway and Argentina matches.Reece James, who returned to action in the last four, is another that is unlikely to feature here amid his own hamstring troubles.That could mean a return to the side for Jarell Quansah, fresh off his two-match ban for his red card at the Estadio Azteca, while fringe players at this tournament, the likes of Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, could all get some minutes under their belt.PAWhere to watchTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 9.30pm BST.Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer app or the channel’s website.Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer app and their websites.England vs France LIVEGood evening and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of the World Cup bronze final between England and France.The game no team wants to play is the penultimate match of a record-breaking tournament. Kick-off at the Miami Stadium is at 10pm.Getty