FIFA World Cup 2026: Three Lions train ahead of third-place match against France
Miami, July 18
England players hit the ground running as they trained ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place match against France in Miami on Saturday.
England football team's official X account shared pictures and a video of the Three Lions players training. "Putting in the prep for our final challenge," reads the caption of a post.
"Back on the pitch together as we build towards France," the England football team captioned the other post.
England faced a 2-1 loss to Argentina. The Lionel Messi-led team secured a thrilling comeback win, overturning a first-half deficit with Enzo Fernandez scoring the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez netted the stoppage-time winner to send the defending champions into the title clash against Spain.
The result sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, where they will face Spain on Sunday, July 19 (local time), while England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.
In the match, Argentina produced a stunning late comeback. The first half was a tightly contested battle, with both teams fighting for midfield control and creating limited clear chances. England eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished Morgan Rogers' cross to put the Three Lions ahead.
After taking the lead, England dropped deeper defensively, allowing Argentina to build pressure. The defending champions responded strongly, with Jordan Pickford making key saves and Alexis Mac Allister hitting the post before Argentina found the equaliser. In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernandez struck after receiving a pass from Lionel Messi to level the match.
Argentina completed their comeback in stoppage time when Messi delivered a cross for Lautaro Martinez, who headed home the winner. Despite England's late efforts, Argentina held on to reach the final. England will now face France in the third-place match, while Argentina will meet Spain for the title.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a football fan from India, I'm just happy to see such high-quality matches in the World Cup. England vs France for third place should be exciting too, but honestly, Argentina vs Spain final is what everyone wants 🤩 Messi magic again!
England had their chance and they blew it. Another semi-final exit... feels like 2018 all over again. Southgate needs to rethink his tactics, especially how they defend after taking the lead. Still, I'll be watching the third-place match hoping for a win. 💪
England playing France for bronze reminds me of 2019 Nations League. It's always these two European giants clashing when disappointment hits. Let's hope it's a goal-fest unlike some of those boring third-place matches. ⚽
Being a football fan in India, I've followed England for years and this is just painful. They play so well in patches but then something goes wrong in crucial moments. Messi's magic was too much for them. France will be hungry too after their own semi-final heartbreak. Should be an intense match! 🏆
Third-place matches often get a bad reputation, but England vs France should be entertaining. Both teams have attacking talent. I just hope Gareth Southgate doesn't play too defensive again - that cost them against Argentina. Go out with pride, lads! 🏴
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