The third-place play-off, known as the Bronze Final, has featured at every World Cup for 72 years. On Saturday, England face France in Miami, with both managers initially dismissive. Didier Deschamps said the match "should not exist," while Thomas Tuchel echoed that sentiment after losing to Argentina. However, Tuchel later noted a win would give England their best World Cup result in 60 years. The fixture offers minutes to fringe players like James Trafford and Kobbie Mainoo, though France's Ibrahima Konate admitted: "Not one of us want to play this game."

Introduced in 1934 and regular since 1954, England have lost both previous appearances (1990, 2018). Croatia embraced the 2022 edition, with manager Zlatko Dalic calling the bronze medal's "golden layer" akin to gold. Mislav Orsic's winner was his career's most important goal.

FIFA retains the match for definitive standings, $2m prize-money difference, and broadcaster value. It has decided Golden Boot winners: Thomas Muller (2010), Davor Suker (1998), Salvatore Schillaci (1990), and Leonidas (1938) all needed play-off goals. Eleven of 12 matches since 1974 produced three-plus goals.

Critics include Louis van Gaal, who called it "unfair" in 2014, and Gareth Southgate, who admitted no team wants it. Yet with a 64-team, 128-match World Cup looming, the Bronze Final appears secure.