World Cup
Deschamps demands France to battle England in third‑place showdown
Coach Didier Deschamps warned on Saturday that France must face England in the third‑place match with full motivation, contrasting the sting of a semi‑final loss to Spain with the chance to secure a podium finish. He stressed the encounter is not a friendly but a decisive battle, despite the disappointment of the earlier defeat.
Deschamps highlighted the semi‑final disappointment, noting the loss to Spain left the squad with a heavy feeling that must be set aside. “We must leave the disappointment behind,” he said, urging players to move forward.
He pointed out that the match is scheduled for Saturday rather than the usual Sunday final, a change that amplifies the sense of let‑down. The altered timing, he argued, makes the need for motivation even greater.
The French manager added that Saturday will be France’s final game of the tournament, and the team has endured more difficult moments than normal. “We must give everything on Saturday,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of a full‑court effort.
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Deschamps, who is about to step down, is expected to be succeeded by former star Zinédine Zidane. He warned that missing the World Cup final must not lead to complacency, reminding everyone that the tournament is not over for France. He reminded his players that a third‑place position is still at stake, describing it as a duty to the shirt, the team and the supporters. “We will do everything to achieve that,” he declared, underscoring the responsibility. Repeating that the England encounter is not a practice game, Deschamps said each player wants to win, even if the result will not change their lives. “The disappointment is great, but there is something to win,” he concluded, highlighting the lingering ambition. The contrast between the lingering hurt from Spain and the fresh opportunity against England reveals a French side determined to finish the tournament on a positive note, while also marking the end of Deschamps’ tenure and the possible arrival of Zidane.