England and France will attempt to salvage some pride from their World Cup campaigns when they meet in Saturday’s third-place playoff after suffering painful semifinal defeats.
Neither side wanted to be involved in the bronze medal match, having arrived at the tournament with genuine hopes of lifting football’s biggest prize.
France’s bid for a third World Cup title ended with a disappointing defeat to Spain, while England’s dream of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966 was shattered by defending champions Argentina.
Now, with the final set to take place on Sunday, both teams must settle for one last outing in North America, hoping to finish their campaigns on a winning note.
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For France, however, the match carries added significance as it will be Didier Deschamps’ final game in charge of Les Bleus after 14 years at the helm.
Deschamps, who endured personal tragedy after losing his mother during the tournament’s group stage, guided France to the 2018 World Cup title, the 2022 final and this year’s semifinal, establishing the team as one of world football’s most consistent forces.
A third-place finish would provide a fitting farewell for the 57-year-old coach.
France captain Kylian Mbappé also has personal history within reach.
The striker remains in contention for the Golden Boot, sitting level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi on eight goals but trailing on assists.
Another goal against England could see Mbappé become the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice, while also equalling or surpassing Messi’s record of 21 World Cup goals.
England, meanwhile, are still recovering from another heartbreaking near miss.
Thomas Tuchel’s side looked destined for the final before surrendering a second-half lead to Argentina, extending the Three Lions’ 60-year wait for major international silverware.
The England manager admitted there was little enthusiasm within either camp for the third-place playoff.
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“None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match,” Tuchel said after the semifinal defeat.
“They want to play the final. We gave everything to achieve that. Everyone plays to win the World Cup, but that’s how it is.”
Deschamps echoed those sentiments, saying the disappointment reflected the ambitions of both teams.
“We’re not where we wanted or expected to be. The disappointment matches our ambitions, but we have to accept it,” the French coach said.
History slightly favours England in World Cup meetings between the two nations.
The Three Lions won the first two encounters, defeating France 2-0 in 1966 and 3-1 in 1982.
However, France claimed a 2-1 victory in their most recent World Cup clash during the quarterfinals of the 2022 tournament.
Overall, England have won just one of their last nine matches against France, with six defeats and two draws during that run.
With pride, a bronze medal, Deschamps’ farewell and Mbappé’s Golden Boot hopes all on the line, Saturday’s clash offers both European heavyweights one final opportunity to leave the World Cup with something to celebrate.
