The Bronze Final - the unwanted tie or a match with a 'golden layer'?

The third-place play-off, officially termed the Bronze Final by FIFA, is a match that has been a consistent feature of every World Cup for the past 72 years. This year, England and France are set to contest this fixture, a game that many involved would prefer to avoid.

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The best for France and England would be for this match not to exist.

France's head coach, Didier Deschamps, articulated a common sentiment, stating, "The best for France and England would be for this match not to exist." England manager Thomas Tuchel echoed this feeling after their semi-final defeat, noting, "None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match." However, Tuchel later adopted a more positive outlook, highlighting that winning could yield England's best World Cup result in 60 years.

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None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match.

Despite the reluctance, the match provides a valuable platform. It offers players who have had limited game time or have not yet featured a chance to make their mark on the tournament. Furthermore, it caters to the fans who have invested in tickets and travel, expecting a final spectacle. England might use this opportunity to introduce players like James Trafford or give Kobbie Mainoo their World Cup debut.

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If we win the game tomorrow, we have the best results of a World Cup in 60 years. It's a perspective to it.

Historically, the third-place play-off was introduced in 1934 and became a regular fixture from 1954. England has participated twice since 1966, losing on both occasions. Croatia, however, embraced the match in 2022, with manager Zlatko Dalic describing their bronze medal as having a "golden layer," signifying its immense value to the team and country. Yet, the question remains whether this fixture is truly necessary after a lengthy tournament.

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Not one of us want to play this game for third place. But we don't have the choice.