England vs France: Kane, Mbappé Battle for Golden Boot in World Cup Third-Place Playoff

• England and France meet in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup third-place playoff with more than bronze medals at stake.

• Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé remain in the race for the Golden Boot, while France aim to give Didier Deschamps a winning send-off in his final match as coach.

England and France square off on Saturday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place play-off, with both nations looking to end their campaigns on a high after painful semi-final exits.

While neither side expected to be fighting for third place, the clash carries extra significance as Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé continue their battle for the tournament’s Golden Boot, while France coach Didier Deschamps prepares to oversee his final match after 14 years in charge.

France reached the fixture after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-finals, while England surrendered a second-half lead to lose 2-1 to defending champions Argentina after Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic comeback.

Golden Boot race heats up

The race for the tournament’s top scorer remains wide open.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi currently leads the standings with eight goals and more assists, while France’s Kylian Mbappé has also scored eight times.

England captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham remain in contention with six goals each and could still challenge for the award with a strong performance against France.

Team news

France are expected to be without William Saliba after the defender suffered a recurring back problem during the semi-final defeat to Spain.

Maxence Lacroix is likely to partner Ibrahima Konaté in central defence, while Theo Hernández, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Rayan Cherki are expected to start. Mbappé will once again lead the attack.

England also have injury concerns, with Reece James expected to miss the match due to a muscle injury. Djed Spence is likely to replace him at right-back, while Jordan Henderson remains sidelined with a broken wrist.

Jude Bellingham’s availability remains uncertain as he awaits a possible FIFA disciplinary decision following an incident after England’s defeat to Argentina. Morgan Rogers and Kobbie Mainoo could both feature.

Deschamps’ final game

Saturday’s encounter will mark the end of an era for France, with Didier Deschamps set to step down after 14 years in charge.

The former midfielder guided Les Bleus to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and another final appearance in 2022, making him one of the country’s most successful managers.

England, meanwhile, are hoping to avoid a third consecutive defeat in a World Cup third-place play-off after losses to Italy in 1990 and Belgium in 2018.

Victory would give the Three Lions their best-ever finish in a World Cup bronze-medal match, while France will be aiming to end Deschamps’ remarkable reign with one final win.