Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Football
Third-place play-off
2026 World Cup
France vs England
Miami, United States
Saturday, 18 July 2026
Kick-off is at 23:00
England national team head coach Thomas Tuchel noted complacency as one of his side’s biggest downfalls during their 2-1 loss against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night.
The Three Lions will now prepare to battle France for the bronze medal after the 2018 World Cup winners suffered a 2-0 loss against Spain in their semi-final tie at the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, 14 July.
As one of the most heated battles at the World Cup so far, England and Argentina reignited their age-old rivalry at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, while the reigning World Champions needed to come from behind to book their ticket into the final.
Following a fiercely contested first-half, which was riddled with crunching tackles, Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute after he met Morgan Rogers’ cross at the far post following a swift break into the Argentina half.
The goal saw Argentina shift into another gear as England battled to control the game thereafter. With Lionel Messi probing, the Argentine number 10 recorded two assists en-route to victory, while Enzo Fernandez drew one back in the 85th minute with an effort from distance.
While England continued to backpedal, Messi popped up on the right flank before delivering an inch perfect cross with his right boot as Lautaro Martinez was on hand to give Argentina the lead with an emphatic header.
Much of the post-match commentary was directed at Thomas Tuchel’s tactical decisions and substitutions after he summoned a number of defenders from the bench with an half-hour left to play in Atlanta.
In his assessment of the game, Tuchel believes that his side were too ‘passive’ in allowing Argentina to complete the dramatic comeback.
“We’re disappointed. We were so close but we got too passive after we scored and conceded a lot of chances,” Tuchel said.
“We could not turn the ball possession around and then conceded so many crosses, chances and shots. We were close but couldn’t keep the level up after we scored.”
Head-to-head:
Games: 9
France wins: 5
England wins: 3
Draws: 1
2026 World Cup Third-place play-off
Saturday, 18 July
23:00: France vs England
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