England manager Thomas Tuchel has given his squad an emotional address urging them to end the 2026 World Cup on a high note following their painful semi-final defeat by Argentina. The message comes ahead of Saturday's third-place play-off against France in Miami, with victory offering England their best men's World Cup finish since they won the tournament outright in 1966.

Sources told BBC Sport that Tuchel praised his players for reaching only the nation's fourth-ever World Cup semi-final, while urging them to move past their disappointment at losing 2-1 to Argentina, who scored twice late on. That defeat has sparked debate over Tuchel's tactics after England led through Anthony Gordon before dropping into a back five, allowing Lionel Messi to inspire a comeback via goals from Enzo Fernandez and a 92nd-minute winner from Lautaro Martinez; Tuchel has denied ordering the retreat. The 52-year-old, who signed a contract extension in February, is expected to continue as England manager through the 2028 European Championship regardless of Saturday's result.