Why is there a World Cup third-place play-off game?

England will finish their World Cup campaign tonight in the game no one wants to play in. 

Instead of featuring in their first World Cup final since 1966, the Three Lions will contest the bronze medal match against France, which pits the two losing semi-finalists against each other. 

Despite it being a fixture neither team had designs on being in, it does still present a chance to win a medal and could also have an impact on the Golden Boot race, too. 

While for England, a win would mean their best finish at a World Cup since winning the competition 60 years ago. 

Why is there a third-place play-off match at the World Cup? DAZN/FIFA

The third-place play-off was introduced at the 1934 tournament and is seen as an opportunity for the losing semi-finalists to redeem something from the competition after coming so close to reaching the final. 

Therefore, the game was implemented to determine the third- and fourth-place teams, with medals awarded in accordance with the results. There is also a larger sum of prize money up for grabs for whoever wins the game. 

The game also presents an opportunity for FIFA and the host country to generate further revenue with an additional game, as well as have something for broadcasters and fans to keep them going before the showpiece final. 

Have England been in a third-place play-off match before?

The Three Lions have been in two previous third-place play-off matches at a World Cup finals but are yet to taste victory in the fixture. 

1990
Italy 2-1 England

Having lost in the heartbreaking events of Turin to West Germany, England competed in their first-ever third-place play-off game when they faced hosts Italy in 1990. 

The Italians had their own disappointment as they bowed out of their home tournament with a defeat to Argentina but gained some comfort in this clash with Bobby Robson’s men. 

All the goals came in the last 15 minutes as Roberto Baggio put Italy ahead after a mistake from Peter Shilton, before David Platt levelled things up. However, the last say went to tournament hero Toto Schillachi, who netted the winner from the penalty spot to give the hosts a win and also secure the Golden Boot. 
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2018
Belgium 2-0 England

Eight years ago, England were back in the bronze medal bout, when they met Belgium after missing out on the final following their defeat to Croatia. 

It was the second meeting between the pair during the tournament, having already faced each other in the group stages. And, both games went the way of the Belgians. 

Thomas Meunier scored after just four minutes to give Roberto Martinez’s men the lead, and although England went close through Harry Kane and Eric Dier, Eden Hazard wrapped the game up eight minutes from the end. 

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