Les Bleus will face England this Saturday in Miami for the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff - a match no one wants to play, not even the French players. England boss Thomas Tuchel made the admission in an interview with L’Équipe. France’s last result: 2-0 Morocco (2026-07-09). Their five-game winning streak (WWWWW) has them brimming with confidence ahead of the clash.
What happened in the semi-final?
Tuchel broke down England’s 2-1 loss to Argentina in the semi-finals. « It was a balanced match », he said. England led 1-0 after Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute strike, but Argentina flipped the script late on. « They played as if they had nothing to lose », Tuchel explained, which pushed them to take more risks. England, sitting deep, struggled to deal with crosses and lost aerial duels in the box.
Why is this France clash such a tough ask?
For Tuchel, the third-place playoff holds no appeal. « No one wants to play this match », he stressed, noting both sides had their eyes on the final. The French, riding a five-game winning streak (WWWWW), arrive with momentum. Their last outing, a 2-0 win over Morocco on July 9 2026, underlines that form. England, meanwhile, has shown mental frailties in big moments, though Tuchel dismissed any talk of an “English curse.”
What’s at stake for Les Bleus?
This match is a litmus test ahead of the next cycle. France, in fine fettle, could exit on a high. For England, it’s a chance to reset after a semi-final heartbreak. « We’ll prepare professionally », Tuchel said, despite having one less rest day than France. Both sides know this clash lacks the stakes of a final, yet it remains a tactical and mental hurdle.
What comes next?
France vs England goes down on July 18 2026 in Miami. A positive result could tighten the squad’s bond ahead of future tests. For Tuchel, the focus is on moving on fast, whatever the outcome. « What matters is we gave our all on the pitch », he said, owning the criticism of his tactical calls.
