Alan Shearer has renewed his long-standing attack on FIFA's third-place play-off, calling the fixture "ridiculous" and arguing it should be abolished ahead of England's clash with France in Miami.

England's semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday ended their bid to reach Sunday's World Cup final in New Jersey, where Spain await. France, beaten 2-0 by Spain on Tuesday, find themselves in the same unenviable position — making the trip to Miami to play in sweltering heat that Shearer says no player should have to endure at this stage of a tournament.

Shearer's verdict: 'Absolute nonsense'

The former Newcastle and England striker, who labelled the match "utter stupidity" when England faced Belgium in the 2018 third-place play-off, pulled no punches again. Speaking to Betfair, as reported by the Daily Mail, Shearer said: "The third-placed play-off at the World Cup is ridiculous. FIFA go on so much about player welfare that they're now out of the tournament, they can't win, yet they're making them travel to Miami and play in 37, 38-degree heat for a third-place play-off."

"It's absolute nonsense. The players should be on their way home, if not home already and on holiday, rather than hanging around for another three or four days to play in a meaningless game, which is only there to make more money," he added.

Shearer dismissed the idea that players cherish a bronze-medal finish, saying: "All the players want to do now is go on holiday and get away from the tournament. They're knocked out and they're not going to look back in 20 years' time and say we were proud of finishing third or fourth. It's nonsense for both France and England. We all know what this game is about unfortunately and it should be scrapped."

The financial reality

Despite Shearer's criticism, there are real financial stakes at play. The side that finishes third will take home £21.4 million ($29 million), while the fourth-placed team receives £19.9 million ($27 million). By comparison, this year's World Cup winners are set to receive £36.9 million ($50 million), with the runners-up awarded £24.4 million ($33 million).

Golden Boot implications

The Miami fixture also carries weight in the Golden Boot race. Kylian Mbappe leads alongside Lionel Messi on eight goals each, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham both stand on six. Should those totals remain unchanged after the final between Argentina and Spain, Messi would claim the award on the strength of a superior assist tally — one more than Mbappe's three.

Shearer's fears for England's future

Beyond the immediate grudge match, Shearer expressed concern about England's standing in the global game, warning that the Three Lions must win Euro 2028 — to be held on home soil — or risk falling further behind the elite nations.

"I feel as if we're behind other nations at the minute. We are behind the two finalists, Argentina and Spain, and behind France too," he said. "If we don't win it in 2028, then we might never win it in my time, unfortunately, because we're on home soil."

Shearer also noted that Spain, boasting a squad packed with talented young players, look set to be the dominant force in the coming years, while France could soon be reshaped under a new manager — with Zinedine Zidane touted for the role.