This is the match that neither side wants to be in but there are still a number of Golden Boot rivals set to do battle as France take on England in the third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday.
England’s World Cup hopes were ended by a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, while France fell in a 2-0 last-four loss to Spain.
However, that isn’t where the North American journey ends with the sides now set to meet in Saturday’s Bronze final.
It is an intriguing contest and we’ve analysed the stats and browsed the World Cup betting markets for a bet builder which, if successful, returns odds of 11/2 with Betway.
France v England Bet Builder tips
France heading for third place
France were long-standing favourites for the World Cup, but Les Bleus fell to Spain in a disappointing 2-0 semi-final defeat. However, England’s loss to Argentina was a far more gruelling exit and one that the Three Lions may struggle to recover from.
Jordan Henderson has a broken arm, Bukayo Saka, Reece James and Declan Rice have been struggling for fitness in North America, while John Stones, Djed Spence, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson look to have given their all.
There are limited options for Thomas Tuchel to freshen up his side, especially in the full-back areas, while France have a plethora of attacking talent to choose from.
Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki and Desire Doue are all options open to Didier Deschamps.
The third-place play-off marks Deschamps’ final game in charge of France and the 57-year-old will have added motivation to go out on a high.
France were beaten by Spain, but it wasn’t a gruelling or bruising defeat and Les Bleus may have more left to give.
England’s defeat to Argentina followed attritional contests against Norway and Mexico and Tuchel faces an almost impossible task to motivate his side following such a demoralising loss.
Leg 1: France to win @ 17/20
Goals to flow in Miami
France have scored 16 goals in their seven World Cup matches so far and will have high hopes of opening up a likely makeshift England defence.
Jarell Quansah, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa and Nico O’Reilly could form the Three Lions backline in Miami and that looks a far from watertight back line.
England have had problems in full-back areas all tournament and Thomas Tuchel’s men have conceded in all of their World Cup knockout matches.
Taking over 2.5 goals looks a play in what should be an entertaining third-place play-off.
Leg 2: Over 2.5 goals @ 2/5
Mbappe going for gold
Motivation and team selection have to be key factors in the Bronze final, but Kylian Mbappe has individual honours to consider with Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards on the line.
That should ensure that the Frenchman is operating at or at least near his peak in Miami and the Real Madrid man has already scored eight times at the World Cup.
The 27-year-old will likely relish a crack at a depleted England defence and Mbappe, who will be on penalty-taking duties too, can open the scoring as he goes for gold in Miami.
Leg 3: Kylian Mbappe to score first @ 5/2
