France, England aim for positive finish in third-place World Cup playoff

While the 2026 World Cup final remains out of reach, France and England are determined to end their campaigns on a high note in the third-place playoff. Both teams suffered semifinal defeats, with England losing 2-1 to Argentina after conceding late goals, and France falling 0-2 to Spain.

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None of our players or French players want to play for third place. They want to play in the final, and we gave everything to achieve that.

England's coach, Thomas Tuchel, acknowledged that no player desires to play in a third-place match, as the ultimate goal was always the final. "None of our players or French players want to play for third place. They want to play in the final, and we gave everything to achieve that," he stated.

France's coach, Didier Deschamps, echoed this sentiment, suggesting the match should not exist given both teams' disappointment at failing to contend for the world title. "The best thing for France and England is that this match doesn't exist," he commented.

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The best thing for France and England is that this match doesn't exist.

This game also signifies the end of Deschamps' 14-year tenure as the French national team's manager. He led the team to a World Cup title in 2018 and reflected on his time with the squad. "I know this is my last match. I have had the opportunity to go through many wonderful moments and also difficult times with the team. Now is the time to move on with life," he said.

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I know this is my last match. I have had the opportunity to go through many wonderful moments and also difficult times with the team. Now is the time to move on with life.