England and France meet in the World Cup third-place match in Miami Gardens on Saturday after both sides fell short in the semi-finals. England lost 2-1 to Argentina after conceding twice late, while Spain beat France 2-0. Neither camp has hidden its disappointment at missing the final.
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the fixture offers little comfort after the semi-final defeat.
“None of our players, and none of the French players, wants to play the third-place match. They want to play the final. We gave everything to achieve it.”
Tuchel also defended his side’s display against Argentina.
“No regrets, the team gave everything, and we were very, very close. We deserved to be up one-nil. We played one of our better matches, maybe the best match. The team was top, but we couldn’t bring it over the line. No regrets.”
France coach Didier Deschamps will take charge of Les Bleus for the final time after 14 years in charge, a spell that included the 2018 World Cup title.
“The best thing for France and England would be for this match not to exist.”
He added: “I know that it’s the last match and I don’t want anybody to cry, and I don’t think anybody here will cry. I had the privilege to go through amazing moments and to go also through some more difficult moments, so the end is coming near but life goes on.”
Kylian Mbappe enters the match level with Lionel Messi on eight goals in the Golden Boot race. He accepted responsibility after France failed to reach the final.
“As the captain, I have to take all the responsibility. I have no problem with that. We wanted to go to the final. We didn’t go.”
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham remain outside contenders for the Golden Boot with six goals each, while Ousmane Dembele has five. Kane also dismissed questions about whether this could be his final World Cup appearance.
“It’s too early to talk about that. The national team is my pride and joy. It’s what I love to do most, more than anything.”
