France and England will look to end their World Cup campaigns on a high when they meet in the third-place playoff on Saturday in Miami.
Both teams go into the match still hurting after their painful semi-final defeats. France were beaten 2-0 by Spain, while England let a one-goal lead slip before losing 2-1 to Argentina.
Neither side wanted to be playing this match. Like many teams before them, their only goal was to reach the World Cup final.
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted that the third-place playoff is not a game his players were hoping for.
“None of our players, and none of the French players, wanted to play this match,” Tuchel said after England’s defeat to Argentina.
“Everyone dreams of playing the World Cup final. But that’s football. We have one less day to recover than France, but we’ll approach the game professionally.”
For France, the match will also mark the end of an era as Didier Deschamps prepares for his final game as head coach.
The 57-year-old is stepping down after 14 years in charge, a spell that included France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, a runners-up finish in 2022 and another semi-final appearance this year.
Despite the disappointment, Deschamps wants his team to finish the tournament with a win.
“There’s third place to play for, and we’ll do everything we can to get it,” he said.
“We’re disappointed because we wanted much more, but we have to accept where we are.”
Although the match may not carry the same excitement as the final, there is still plenty at stake for several players.
France captain Kylian Mbappe and Argentina’s Lionel Messi are currently tied as the tournament’s top scorers with eight goals each. A goal against England could put Mbappe ahead in the race for the Golden Boot.
England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored six goals each, also remain in contention provided they turn up with big performances.
For Kane, Saturday’s game could even be his last appearance at a World Cup. The Bayern Munich striker turns 33 later this month, making it uncertain whether he will still be playing at the 2030 tournament.
However, Kane refused to discuss his international future.
“It’s too early to think about that,” he said.
“I take it year by year. Playing for England is something I love, and I never want to put a limit on it.”
Mbappe also has another milestone within reach. The Real Madrid forward has scored 20 World Cup goals in his career and needs one more to equal Messi’s tally of 21 at the top of the all-time World Cup scoring charts.
Both managers are expected to make changes to their starting line-ups after a physically demanding tournament.
Tuchel is likely to rest some of his regular starters and give opportunities to players who have had limited game time. Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo could make his World Cup debut, while Ollie Watkins may start in place of Kane up front.
France coach Deschamps could also hand experienced midfielder N’Golo Kante his first appearance of the tournament as Les Bleus aim to finish their campaign with a victory.
