Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham not starting in World Cup match vs. France
England defeated France 6-4 in the 2026 World Cup third-place match, a game notable for the absence of stars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham from the starting lineup. Manager Thomas Tuchel cited player fatigue and the need for rest following a grueling tournament schedule.
Why it matters
The match highlights the physical toll of modern international football schedules and the strategic management of elite athletes during high-stakes tournaments.
Hear this story Editor's note: Follow for live updates on England-France World Cup game
After a wild second half, England ended up beating France 6-4 in the 2026 World Cup third-place match on Saturday, July 18.
Manager Thomas Tuchel raised eyebrows when he did not include the stars of the tournament so far, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, in the starting lineup.
Each player has six goals in the World Cup. Kane scored twice and Bellingham added a goal in the roaring opener, a 4-2 win over Croatia. The captain's brace saved the day for a 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32, and then it was Bellingham's time to shine with two goals in a tense matchup against Mexico that England won 3-2, plus another brace in the quarterfinals against Norway, which they won 2-1.
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