Enthusiasm hard to find in both camps: “None of us wants to play for third place”

“None of us wants to play this third-place match. But we have no choice,” admitted French defender Ibrahima Konate, a sentiment echoed by England manager Thomas Tuchel, who faced criticism after the semi-final.

“Nobody wanted to be in this Saturday’s game. All four teams wanted to be in the final in New York, but it’s still a World Cup match. It’s our chance for England’s best result in 60 years,” stated Tuchel, who now has an opportunity to win back some of the fans.

These fans had criticized him for his defensive tactics after scoring a goal in the unsuccessful semi-final against Argentina (1:2) in Atlanta.        

France’s head coach Didier Deschamps views the third-place playoff, which will be his last match at the helm of “Les Bleus,” as an obligation.

“We feel a responsibility to wear this jersey for all the French people who support us. This match is an obligation for me, for the coaching staff, and for the players,” Deschamps was quoted by AP. The French coach also confirmed that Kylian Mbappe, who still has a chance to win the Golden Boot, will be available.

Before the end of the tournament, he is tied for first place with Lionel Messi with eight goals. However, the 57-year-old coach emphasized that he plans to make several changes to the starting lineup compared to the semi-final match against Spain (0:2).