Will Kylian Mbappe play tonight for France vs England in FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff?

Kylian Mbappe is tied with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.

France are scheduled to take on England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 18. While Les Bleus would like to end their otherwise disappointing campaign with a podium finish, all eyes will be on talismanic striker Kylian Mbappe.

The 27-year-old forward has netted eight goals in the expanded 48-team World Cup in North America, sitting at the top of the Golden Boot chart along with Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Despite his personal heroics, the Real Madrid forward failed to power his team through to what would have been a third consecutive final.

Mbappe can still finish the tournament with back-to-back Golden Boot awards, having clinched the award in Qatar four years ago as well.

Also Read: France vs England Preview – Prediction, team news, lineups

Will Kylian Mbappe play tonight?

Yes, Kylian Mbappe will play tonight. Although head coach Didier Deschamps will likely opt for a much-changed starting lineup in tonight’s game, all signs point to Mbappe starting up front for Les Bleus. He will also likely wear the captain’s armband.

Mbappe has been on an incredible run in the tournament, scoring or assisting in every match, with the exception of the semi-final against Spain. With both managers likely to field weakened teams tonight, he has a good opportunity to add to his goals tally ahead of Argentina’s match against Spain in the final on Sunday.

Along with Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue may also keep their starting spots in the lineup. However, with William Saliba ruled out with an injury, Deschamps will likely shake up his defence and midfield in tonight’s fixture.

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