Two of the tournament favourites meet in the fixture neither wanted, as France and England contest the third-place playoff on Saturday. Spain ended France's bid for a third straight final with a 2-0 semi-final win in Dallas, restricting Les Bleus to 0.31 Expected Goals. England led against Argentina through Anthony Gordon before losing 2-1 in Atlanta.
Deschamps openly called Spain favourites before the semi-final, and the criticism afterwards was pointed. Mbappe himself questioned France's tactical approach. The match marked Deschamps' record-breaking 26th as a World Cup manager, and Saturday will be his last in charge after 14 years.
For England, the inquest is familiar. They have now lost all seven of their World Cup knockout ties against top-10 ranked opposition, and they remain the only nation this century to lead a men's World Cup semi-final and fail to advance, having done so twice. Messi's two assists turned the Atlanta tie after Gordon had exposed Argentina's flanks.
France vs England: Key Stats
England have won just 1 of their last 9 meetings with France
France knocked England out of the 2022 World Cup at the quarter-final stage
England have lost all 7 of their World Cup knockout ties against top-10 ranked sides
France have won 2 of their 3 previous third-place playoffs
England lost both of their previous third-place playoffs, in 1990 and 2018
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect
Both squads are dealing with defensive disruption. William Saliba was forced off in the first half against Spain with his recurring back problem and is expected to miss out, opening the door for Maxence Lacroix. Deschamps has already indicated Konate was not at his best, which may reshape the entire back four.
England lost Reece James to a muscular issue against Argentina, a week after he recovered from a hamstring problem. Djed Spence should switch flanks with Nico O'Reilly returning on the left. Jarell Quansah is available again after suspension, while Bellingham faces possible disciplinary questions over an incident during Argentina's celebrations.
Motivation is the great unknown in these fixtures. Tuchel is expected to name a strong side hoping to salvage England's second-best World Cup finish, while Deschamps will want to close a distinguished 14-year tenure with a medal. Whether the players match that intent usually decides these games.
Predicted Lineups
France (4-2-3-1)
Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Lacroix, T. Hernandez; Kone, Zaire-Emery; Cherki, Olise, Doue; Mbappe
England (4-2-3-1)
Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappe - Remains France's most dangerous attacker despite a quiet semi-final in which the side managed barely a third of an Expected Goal. He is still in the Golden Boot conversation and a strong performance would end his tournament on better terms.
Harry Kane - Leads England's line and continues to be their most reliable finisher. Against a French defence missing Saliba and reshuffled at centre-back, he should find opportunities.
Michael Olise - Has been one of France's more consistent creators this summer and could see more freedom in a reorganised attack. His link with Mbappe is central to how France create.
Anthony Gordon - Scored against Argentina and exposed their wide areas repeatedly. His directness gives England a genuine outlet against a French back line short of its first-choice pairing.
Prediction
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.57
Third-place playoffs are historically open affairs, and both defences are missing key personnel. France are without Saliba and reshuffling their back four, while England have lost James and remain vulnerable in wide areas. Neither side has anything to protect beyond pride.
France hold the head-to-head advantage, having won eight of the last nine meetings and eliminated England in 2022. But with attacking talent of this quality on both sides and defensive uncertainty throughout, goals look the most likely outcome. Expect an open contest with both teams finding the net.