‘We don’t have a choice’ – France star reveals frustration ahead of England match

At least there’s one thing that England and France agree on…

Neither team wants to play in Saturday’s third-place play-off clash in Miami and this time, nobody is bothering to deny it.

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The match to determine who finishes third was introduced in 1954 and has been a staple of the World Cup format ever since.

England have played in two in the last 36 years. The first, a 2-1 defeat to Italy in 1990 followed by a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in 2018.

Two lacklustre England performances in the fixture probably tell you everything you need to know about where the match ranks on their priority list.

And it appears that France have a similar outlook on the game after a gruelling campaign for many of their stars.

France were favourites to lift the World Cup this summer after sweeping aside every opponent in their path, but were brutally outclassed by Spain in Tuesday’s semi-final.

And as a result, it will be Spain facing Argentina in Sunday’s final while France take on the Three Lions.

An unwanted fixture

“None of us wanted to play in this game for third place,” France defender Ibrahima Konate told reporters on Friday.

“But we don’t have a choice to play. France and England have a big story together. And, yeah, we are looking forward to the game tomorrow, and let’s see what will happen.”

For England boss Tuchel, the game presents an opportunity for him and his side to end the World Cup on a high following Wednesday’s disappointing collapse against Argentina.

However, even for the under-pressure German, Saturday’s match is merely a procession although there are some attainable targets for his side.

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“Nobody wants to be, tomorrow, in this game,” Tuchel said. 

“All of these four teams wanted to be in New York (at the final). But it is an official World Cup game. 

“It’s a chance to have the best result in 60 years for England. Mentality is not something that you switch on and switch off as you like it. 

“It is a moment to show that we are actually made of what we showed through the whole tournament.”

Race for the Golden Boot

There are still some matters to be tied up at the World Cup.

One is the Golden Boot with Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe firmly in the mix to come out on top.

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Mbappe has eight goals so far but trails leader Lionel Messi – also with eight goals – at the top of the charts due to the Argentine’s four assists compared to Mbappe’s three.

England duo Kane and Jude Bellingham have both netted six times across the tournament.

Mbappe is expected to start the match in Miami however France boss Didier Deschamps –  who leaves his role after Saturday’s match – has admitted he will make wider changes to his starting XI.

“We do have a match for the third place play-off, and there’s a duty,” Deschamps said. 

“We have duties. I have duties, my staff has duties and so do the players. We have a responsibility to wear this jersey for all the French people who are cheering for us.”

He continued: “I know it will be my last match and I also know that I will miss the French national team.

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“I had the privilege for 15 years to be up here with this jersey, to experience magnificent moments, more difficult moments. 

“The French national team is the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me in my professional career.”