France predicted.lineup today vs England: World Cup starting XI projection

France won't be playing in the World Cup final for the third time in a row, relegated to the third-place match after losing to Spain in the semifinals.

>Les Bleus had looked like the best team at this tournament and were a favorite to win it all for the third time before running into a Spain buzzsaw that has given up just one goal in its seven World Cup games. This consolation match against England is something nobody wants to play in, but it's still the World Cup and both coaches have expressed their respect for the game.

>"I have a duty for this game," France boss Didier Deschamps told reporters Miami. "It is not a friendly. It is a third-place playoff. The players, staff, and I have the duty to reach this last objective. It is less important than the final. England does not want to play this game, and neither do we. But here we are."

>Kylian Mbappe has eight goals in this tournament, tied with Lionel Messi for the lead. Will he play enough to ind the back of the net and maybe end up with the crown?

>Here's our prediction on how France could line up:

France predicted lineup today vs EnglandGK: Brice Samba • >DF: Malo Gusto • >DF: Ibrahima Konate • >DF: Maxence Lacroix • >DF: Theo Hernandez • >MF: N'Golo Kante • >MF: Warren Zaire-Emery • >FW: Desire Doue • >FW: Rayan Cherki • >FW: Kylian Mbappe • >FW: Bradley BarcolaFrance vs England odds

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: France predicted.lineup today vs England: World Cup starting XI projection