Four reasons to watch the World Cup third-place play-off
Short overview
England face France in the World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday. Despite the disappointment of missing the final, the match offers a chance for the Golden Boot race, England's best finish since 1966, playing time for lesser-used stars, and a final football fix before a
England's World Cup dreams ended with a semi-final defeat to Argentina, but the tournament is not over for Thomas Tuchel's side. They face France in the third-place play-off on Saturday (22:00 BST). While it may seem like a consolation prize, there are several reasons to tune in.
Golden Boot race still alive
The Golden Boot remains up for grabs. France captain Kylian Mbappe is level with Lionel Messi on eight goals, but Messi leads on assists (four to three). Goals in the third-place play-off count toward the award, so Mbappe can still overtake Messi, though Messi will have a chance to respond in the final. If Mbappe scores or provides two assists, he would emulate Italy's Salvatore Schillaci, who won the Golden Boot in 1990 by scoring in the third-place match against England.
England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are two goals behind the leaders, but with fewer assists, a hat-trick would likely be needed to top the charts. The prospect of top attacking talents chasing goals adds intrigue.
Chance for England's best finish since 1966
Winning the third-place play-off would give England their best World Cup finish in 60 years, behind only their 1966 triumph. England have lost both previous third-place play-offs: to Italy in 1990 and Belgium in 2018. Victory over France would secure the bronze medal and a historic achievement.
Opportunity for lesser-used players
With a gruelling schedule, both managers may rest key players, giving opportunities to those who have seen little action. For England, Kobbie Mainoo has yet to play a minute; Tuchel could hand the Manchester United midfielder his World Cup debut. Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney have played only six minutes each. For France, 2018 champion N'Golo Kante has not featured, and at 35, this may be his last World Cup appearance. Manchester City's Rayan Cherki has played just 85 minutes and could start.
Last competitive football before a break
After Sunday's final, there will be nearly four weeks until the EFL returns on 14 August, with the Community Shield the same weekend. The third-place play-off offers a final chance to watch competitive football before the hiatus.
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