Kane and Mbappe trade penalties in World Cup simulation | Gaming | Entertainment

Just a few days ago, England and France looked like they could well have met in the World Cup final. How quickly things change.

Instead, these two proud footballing nations face-off for a prize neither country is particularly bothered about. The ‘bronze final’ – or third place play-off to those outside the FIFA admin bubble – takes place at 10pm BST tonight (Saturday, July 18) in Miami. And these two wounded teams have to find a way to pick themselves back up again.

The hurt of falling at the semi-final stage is deep for both sides, arguably for very different reasons. France have been the best side in this year’s tournament for most of the summer and will have hoped to be able to avenge the defeat in 2022’s final.

England, on the other hand, capitulated late on against Argentina and are desperate to reach the World Cup final for only the second time. 60 years of hurt will go on.

But this match still has the potential to entertain, and according to a simulation on EA Sports FC 26 by the Mirror, that is exactly what we’ll get.

England starting line-up v France simulated by EA FC 26

The simulation forecast a starting line-up largely consistent with previous selections by England head coach Thomas Tuchel. Djed Spence filled in for the injured Reece James at right-back, while Morgan Rogers retained his position on the right wing ahead of a half-fit Bukayo Saka.

England simulated starting XI v France: Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham; Morgan Rogers, Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon.

England v France World Cup third place play-off simulated by EA FC 26

According to the simulation, the elimination hangover afflicted the Three Lions from the start as England were immediately pinned back by a relentless wave of French attacks. It took fewer than 10 minutes for France to establish their advantage.

Spence was harshly adjudged to have fouled Adrien Rabiot in the area, and Mbappe converted confidently from the penalty spot to give France the lead. England could easily have retreated further into their shells.

But for all the flaws on show in the semi-final, spirit and hunger aren’t among them. The virtual engine predicted a spirited England response, catching France somewhat off guard before drawing level on 29 minutes.

Morgan Rogers’ direct running secured an equaliser, as the Aston Villa man surged past his marker and into the area before drilling a shot beyond Maignan to make it 1-1. Regrettably, another questionable penalty was awarded to France four minutes later following a Marc Guehi handball.

Jordan Pickford dived far too early and Mbappe comfortably restored the lead. The match was completely open at this stage.

Three minutes later, Maignan produced a magnificent save to thwart Kane from 12 yards but there was further drama before the interval. Maignan prevented Anthony Gordon from levelling after a loose ball fell to Bellingham with the goal gaping.

His effort struck Lucas Digne’s arm and England were awarded a penalty of their own. The simulation then delivered a gut-punch for England supporters.

Kane squandered the opportunity to atone for his agonising 2022 spot-kick failure against the French, smashing his effort against the post as France cleared their lines. It remained 2-1 at the interval.

Things deteriorated further for England after the restart. Mbappe was perfectly placed to extend France’s advantage five minutes into the second half, volleying superbly past Pickford from a pinpoint Jules Kounde cross to complete a hat-trick of decisive contributions.

Yet this rollercoaster encounter produced yet another twist. Elliot Anderson fired emphatically into the top left corner from 15 yards after a cheeky backheel assist from his captain on 54 minutes.

France withdrew somewhat following this, happy for England to retain possession without any real cutting edge. Unable to penetrate an organised French defence, England still required Pickford to produce a magnificent stop to deny Mbappe a fourth.

But the creative players failed to deliver when it mattered most, and England suffered another disappointing defeat.

England v France result simulated by EA FC 26

France 3 – 2 England

Were this simulation to materialise, it would at least ensure another thrilling encounter between these two sides. While it provides a dramatic conclusion to England’s World Cup campaign, the disappointment remains.

It might take some work to pick up England’s heads after this heartbreaking tournament. But with a home European Championship coming in two years time, there’s every chance the pain ends, finally, after 62 years.