Listen to the article. Audio text automatically generated by an automated system.

0:00

1 minute read

Didier Deschamps, coach of the France national team, confirmed that his team is not happy to play the third-place match against England on Saturday in Miami, but he stressed that the team's duty is to dedicate the bronze medal to the fans.

France, world champion in 2018 and runner-up in 2022, was one of the main favorites to win the title before being eliminated by losing to European champions Spain in the semi-finals.

That defeat was France's third consecutive loss to Spain in a major tournament semi-final, after Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League, and Saturday's match will be the last for the 57-year-old coach, after he announced last year his departure at the end of his contract following the tournament.

Deschamps said in a press conference: 'I have a duty in this match. It is not a friendly, it is a third-place match. The players, the coaching staff and I have a responsibility to achieve this final goal. True, it is less important than the final. England does not want to play it, and neither do we, but that is reality.'

He added: 'We have to focus on finishing the tournament in third place and achieving this final goal. When you wear this shirt, you have a duty. In my mind, I know it is my last match. I don't want anyone to cry. The end is near, but life goes on.'

Deschamps explained that the team is still absorbing the effects of the semi-final loss, noting that he will make several changes to the lineup due to the absence of some players and injuries to others, but he refused to confirm whether captain and top scorer Kylian Mbappé would start.

Deschamps

Advertorial

Advertorial

Read also

"Butterfly effect".. France rues draw with Iceland 9 months ago. France's 2-2 draw with Iceland during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers could have a much greater impact ... Sports

After salary cut to €450,000.. Will Zidane accept coaching France? Zinedine Zidane is still the top candidate to succeed Didier Deschamps as coach of the national team ... Sports

Exciting behind the scenes.. Dembélé attacked his teammates between halves of France-Spain and received a harsh response. Spanish newspaper Marca revealed that Ousmane Dembélé, France forward, was upset with his teammates ... Sports