France vs England - Top five players to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026 Third Place Play-off ft. Kylian Mbappe & Elliot Anderson

Les Bleus eye a back-to-back third medal in their last three World Cup appearances.

Miami Stadium in the United States of America gears up to host the third-place fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Two-time world champions France and 1966 World Champions England lock horns. It is set to be a thrilling contest.

Les Bleus would be highly disappointed after narrowly missing out on playing three back-to-back World Cup finals. This could be Didier Deschamps’ last game as the gaffer of the France national team after guiding them to victory in the World Cup 2018. Despite a semi-final defeat, clinching three medals in three consecutive World Cups would still be a big achievement nonetheless.

Thomas Tuchel can clinch a World Cup medal for the Three Lions after nearly six decades in his first major tournament as England coach. The streak of ‘Too Close, Yet Too Far’ continues for England. They fail to deliver on big stages despite coming so close

They would be keen to go all guns blazing to win it all against France in the bronze medal clash. On football’s grandest stage, ninety minutes can transform great players into national heroes. This highly anticipated showdown promises a tactical war, but the outcome rests on the boots of a few special individuals.

In this article, we shall take a look at the top five players to keep an eye on.

5. Anthony Gordon (England)

When Gordon scored the opener against Argentina, England were leading 1-0 till the 84th minute. There was a feeling that, finally, it was coming home for the Three Lions. At a time when wingers like Madueke, Saka or Rashford failed to deliver, Gordon stepped up and was an absolute beast for England.

The Newcastle United winger made a high-profile move to Spain with FC Barcelona. He will be a delight to watch in the third-place game against France. In his debut World Cup, Gordon would be tempted to give his everything and to not return home empty-handed.

4. Dayot Upamecano (France)

The Bayern Munich defender will have big responsibilities on his shoulders. His centre-back partner William Saliba will be absent after picking up an injury in the last game. Upamecano has been a reliable presence in the defence for France.

He will be playing alongside Crystal Palace’s Lacroix or Ibrahima Konate. He will be up against a strong English attack led by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Both of whom are among the strongest contenders to still win the Golden Boot Award.

3. Djed Spence (England)

The Tottenham fullback did a decent job in the World Cup to make things a bit easier for Thomas Tuchel. His team suffered a lot after Jarell Quansah was suspended for two games and Reece James was not fully fit. Djed Spence started the game against Argentina in the semis and did a decent job in the wings.

What makes Spence an asset for the Three Lions is his positional flexibility. He can easily play as a right back or left back. It will be interesting to see how Spence starts after Quansah is back and whether he starts as a left back or O’Reilly will be back.

2. Kylian Mbappe (France)

For Kylian Mbappe, this game is more than just a bronze medal game. The Golden Boot Race is still on. Mbappe must score in the next game to have any shot of winning the Golden Boot for consecutive editions.

The French captain must not lose hope and leave no stone unturned to clinch a bronze. Mbappe was part of the 2018 team that won the World Cup in Russia. His brilliance also propelled France to the 2022 Finals.

He will be keen to add the third World Cup medal to his trophy cabinet in his third World Cup.

1. Elliot Anderson (England)

One of the most underrated players in England‘s semi-final journey so far, Elliot Anderson. He made a high-profile switch from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City in the last few weeks. Declan Rice was not in peak form and fitness, while Anderson anchored the midfield so very well.

A pivotal core component of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical plans at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Anderson reads passing corridors beautifully. He excels under heavy opposition press in crowded central blocks.

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