World Cup 2026: Why we still care about England v France’s third-place play-off

First of all, there is still a trophy for players on both sides to focus on, the Golden Boot.

France captain Kylian Mbappe has had a fantastic campaign and is currently tied with Lionel Messi as the top scorer at this World Cup with eight goals.

However, Argentina won thanks to four goals from Mbappe’s 3 goals.

Goals in third-place play-offs count towards the Golden Boot award, but Mbappe could overtake the former Barcelona forward – although Messi will have the chance to respond himself in the final.

If Mbappe scores a goal or two assists, he will follow in the footsteps of Italy’s Salvatore Schillaci who won the Golden Boot in 1990.

Of course, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham only two goals behind Messi and Mbappe, there is still a chance that an English player could take the tournament’s top scorer award.

The Three Lions pair have few assists, so it might take a hat-trick to top the charts, but you never know – and it’s always fun to watch top attacking talents go in search of goals.