France, England meet in World Cup third-place playoff

France and England will face off in the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff at Miami Stadium on Saturday.

Although the match carries no title implications, it could prove decisive in the race for the Golden Boot.

France captain Kylian Mbappe, who has scored eight goals, is level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi but trails him on assists. A goal against England could move Mbappe ahead before Messi plays Spain in Sunday’s final.

England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, along with France’s Ousmane Dembele, have six goals each and remain outside contenders for the tournament’s top scorer award.

Both teams entered the playoff after semifinal defeats�"France to Spain and England to Argentina. While neither side had hoped to play for third place, they will be aiming to finish the tournament on a winning note, with the Golden Boot race adding extra significance to the contest.