England Expected to Field Altered Lineup Against France in World Cup Third-Place Playoff

As the World Cup tournament draws to a close, England prepares to contest the third-place playoff against France. This match, often seen as a less critical fixture, is anticipated to offer an opportunity for manager Gareth Southgate to assess different players and tactical approaches.

Sources suggest that the England starting XI will see notable changes from the team's previous outings. This could involve giving minutes to players who have had limited game time throughout the competition, potentially offering a glimpse at the squad's depth and future prospects.

The shift in personnel is a common strategy in such matches, allowing fringe players to gain valuable experience on the international stage while also potentially providing rest for key individuals ahead of their club commitments.