Tribal Football

England quartet set for final World Cup appearance as Tuchel plans France rotations

England star John Stones in training at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
England star John Stones in training at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Reuters

England face one final test before the end of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign as they take on France in a third-place playoff on July 18.

Thomas Tuchel's team lost 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final battle with old rivals Argentina as they failed to make a second world final since 1966.

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Argentina will now defend their title up against Spain on July 19 with England and France required to play out a meaningless tie in Miami.

Tuchel has already labelled the game as 'the one no-one wants to play' on the back of frustration for both himself and Didier Deschamps.

The German coach is expected to rest the majority of his star names who featured heavily on route to the semis with Dean Henderson, Trevoh Chalobah, Jarell Quansah and Ollie Watkins all expected to start.

Despite the lack of competitiveness in this game, it could be a final World Cup appearance for several England players, and that will play a role in Tuchel's planning.

Harry Kane, who turns 33 this month, stated it was 'too early' to think about whether he would be able to play at a possible 2030 World Cup - and the Three Lions captain may play a role off the bench.

John Stones (32), Dan Burn (34), Ollie Watkins (30) and Ivan Toney (30) should all play in what's likely to be their World Cup farewells.

36-year-old Jordan Henderson misses out due to injury and fans will keep a close eye on Jordan Pickford (32).

The Everton keeper extended his record for England appearances (19) at a World Cup against Argentina, but at 36 in 2030, he may have featured at his last World Cup.

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