However, Thomas Tuchel’s decision to make defensive changes ultimately backfired as Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez struck late on to break the Three Lions’ hearts in Atlanta.
As such, England and France will be out to end on a high in a first-ever third-place play-off match – now known as the bronze final – between the two nations.
This, though, will be the fourth time they have met at a World Cup with Les Bleus knocking the Three Lions out at the quarter-final stage in Qatar four years ago as Harry Kane’s missed penalty proved decisive.
A fixture that Tuchel and Didier Deschamps would have hoped was taking place on Sunday in the World Cup 2026 final, should provide entertainment – even if the stakes are considerably low.
Who is England vs France referee?
Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela will take charge of proceedings between England and France.
He will be assisted by fellow Venezuelans Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno, with Morocco’s Jalal Jayed serving as the fourth official. Zakaria Brinsi – also of Morocco – will be the reserve assistant.
Valenzuela has emerged as one of the top referees in South America over the last decade and received the IFFHS world’s best referee from CONMEBOL in 2021, further elevating his profile.
Due to mainly officiating in international competitions such as the Copa America and CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers as well as club tournaments such as the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, it means Valenzuela hasn’t crossed paths with England and France players too often during his career.
Jesus Valenzuela has refereed one France game in his career
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He was, however, the referee when England drew with the USA and when France beat Poland in the group stage at Qatar 2022, awarding a late penalty against Dayot Upamecano for handball. In addition, he was the fourth official when France beat Morocco in the World Cup semi-final four years ago.
Valenzuela has, though, shown Reece James a yellow card. This was last summer during the World Club Cup when Chelsea beat Los Angeles 2-0.
At the World Cup so far, Valenzuela has overseen Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Qatar and Australia vs Turkey in the group stage as well as Norway’s round of 32 win over Ivory Coast.
