World Cup: France 0-2 England - Third Place Playoff Live Updates

France's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they fell 0-2 to England in the third-place playoff. Ezri Konsa doubled England's lead in the 18th minute with a header from a Declan Rice corner, adding to Rice's earlier strike in the 3rd minute. Rice capitalized on a defensive error by Désiré Doué to score from 25 meters out, putting the French team on the back foot early.

The French squad, boasting a formidable attack including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué, was widely tipped to win the tournament. However, their aspirations crumbled in the semifinal against Spain. Now, they must settle for a match for third place against rivals England in Miami.

This match also marks the likely farewell for coach Didier Deschamps, who has led the Bleus for 14 years. He is expected to be succeeded by Zinedine Zidane. Deschamps acknowledged the team's profound disappointment following their semifinal defeat. "The disappointment is commensurate with our ambitions," he stated, emphasizing the team's duty to give their all in the final match of the competition.

France faced further setbacks with the injury of William Saliba, who was forced off during the Spain match and will miss the third-place playoff. Second goalkeeper Brice Samba is also unlikely to play. Deschamps might use the match to give playing time to less-featured players, potentially including young midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery and veteran N'Golo Kanté, neither of whom has played significant minutes in the tournament. Captain Kylian Mbappé, despite ankle pain, is expected to play.

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The disappointment is commensurate with our ambitions. Obviously, there are many disappointed players, but when you wear this jersey, whatever the match of the French national team, our duty is to give everything on Saturday, because it is the last match of the competition.