France and England leave big names on the bench for the match
According to Vi.
Context
Ousmane Dembélé, who will not start in this match, is one of the players that France left aside after the defeat in the semi-finals. His absence could be seen as an opportunity for other players to step up, but it also raises questions about his future with the national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Why this matters
The 2026 World Cup third-place game is a crucial opportunity for coaches to test new talent and give minutes to under-used players. For France, the absence of Ousmane Dembélé and other key players reflects a team management strategy, especially considering this will be Didier Deschamps' last game as coach. Performance in this match could influence the perception of the future of the French team and preparation for the next World Cup.
Main conclusions
- France and England leave big names on the bench for the match.
- France and England announced lineups with several changes for the third-place game of the 2026 World Cup, with figures such as Kane, Bellingham and Pickford on the bench and opportunities for several youngsters.
- Frankrijk en Engeland laten grote namen op de bank voor troostfinale.
The starting lineups for the 2026 World Cup third-place game have been defined. France and England will discuss the bronze medals and, as so often happens in this match, both coaches opt for a minutes management that leaves several stars on the bench and makes room for less used players throughout the tournament.
On the French side, the defeat in the semifinals to Spain pushed Didier Deschamps' team into this consolation final — which will also be his last match as coach. For this match, the French coach gives up several names in relation to the eleven that started against the Spanish: Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Jules Koundé, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Lucas Digne are not among the starters. William Saliba, injured in the semi-final, also does not count. In the opposite direction, starting opportunities arise for Malo Gusto, Maxence Lacroix, Théo Hernández, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Rayan Cherki and Désiré Doué. It is worth noting that Zaïre-Emery and Cherki would have expressed some dissatisfaction with their limited use throughout the World Cup, so this bet by Deschamps also serves to reward the new wave of French football. Up front, Kylian Mbappé commands the attack alongside Michael Olise and Doué, with Rabiot providing balance in midfield.
In England, Thomas Tuchel goes even further into the rotation after the elimination against Argentina in the semi-finals, making seven changes to the eleven. Big names like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford are left out, while Dean Henderson enters in goal and, in the defensive sector, Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa alongside Marc Guéhi, with Djed Spence providing depth on the right. In midfield, Declan Rice will be the pendulum, accompanied by Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers, and in attack they line up Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford, a trio capable of printing speed and imbalance.
It is, by tradition, a game that no team wants to play, but which often offers spectacle and goals. For France and England, there is the opportunity to close the 2026 World Cup with a medal and a positive signal, while at the same time managing elements that required space. Europe thus guarantees bronze, in a duel that combines experience and youth, with a particular focus on young talents who gain the stage at the beginning.
Starting elevens
French: Mike Maignan; Malo Gusto, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix, Théo Hernández; Warren Zaire-Emery, Adrien Rabiot, Rayan Cherki; Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé, Désiré Doué.
England: Dean Henderson; Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Djed Spence; Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers; Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Marcus Rashford.
What happens next
With France and England making several changes to their teams, the game promises to be a showcase for young talent. Players like Malo Gusto and Warren Zaïre-Emery will have the opportunity to shine, while England, under the leadership of Thomas Tuchel, could surprise with their choices. The result of this match could also impact teams' morale as they prepare for the next cycle of competitions, including the 2026 World Cup.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the third-place match between France and England?
France and England have named their starting lineups for the 2026 World Cup third-place game, with several stars left on the bench.
Who confirmed the changes in teams for the game?
The changes in the teams were confirmed by coaches Didier Deschamps for France and Thomas Tuchel for England.
Why are so many changes being made to teams now?
The changes are being made due to minute management and the dissatisfaction of some players with their sparse usage throughout the tournament.
What are the main changes in the teams for this game?
In France, Ousmane Dembélé, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford are some of the players who are not among the starters.
What impact will these changes have on teams in the future?
The changes could open up opportunities for new players and reflect a rotation strategy after the semi-final eliminations.