England face France in World Cup bronze final on July 18 at Miami Stadium

England will face France in the World Cup bronze medal match at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 18, after Thomas Tuchel’s side were beaten 2-1 by reigning world champions Argentina in the semi-finals. Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored late goals to overturn Anthony Gordon’s opener and end England’s hopes of reaching the final.

The third-place play-off kicks off at 10pm, with Miami Stadium — the same venue that hosted England’s quarter-final victory over Norway — providing the backdrop for what will be a significant occasion for both nations.

France arrive in equally deflated circumstances, having lost 2-0 to Spain in their semi-final. Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scored for a clinical Spanish side to end Les Bleus’ run, and the match will serve as Didier Deschamps’ final game in charge of the national team before he steps down at the tournament’s conclusion.

For England, the stakes extend well beyond the medal itself. Victory over France would represent the country’s best World Cup finish since 1966, adding a layer of historical weight to what might otherwise be considered a consolation fixture.

The two nations also carry unfinished business from recent tournament history. England were eliminated by France at the quarter-final stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a defeat that still resonates with supporters and players alike.

Tuchel, who has spoken publicly about his commitment to the England project despite the Argentina defeat, will be looking to send his squad into the off-season with a medal and a sense of momentum rather than regret.