France and England will look to salvage pride when they meet in the FIFA World Cup third-place play-off, with Didier Deschamps preparing to take charge of Les Bleus for the final time after an unforgettable spell at the helm.

Match News and Current Form

This is not the ending France had envisioned after entering the tournament as one of the favourites, but Deschamps still has the opportunity to conclude his remarkable tenure with a victory. The French boss saw his side’s hopes of lifting a second World Cup under his leadership ended by a 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain.

The match will be Deschamps’ 187th in charge of France, making him the nation’s longest-serving manager. During his illustrious reign, he guided Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018 and another final appearance in 2022. His record at the World Cup is equally impressive, boasting a 77% win rate across 26 matches, while France had won seven consecutive games before falling to Spain, six of them by margins of two goals or more.

England, meanwhile, were left heartbroken after surrendering a late lead in their semi-final against Argentina. Thomas Tuchel’s side appeared destined for the final before conceding twice after the 80th minute to lose 2-1, with the England manager coming under heavy criticism for his defensive tactical changes.

Despite the disappointment, victory would still hand England their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966. However, history is not on their side, as the Three Lions have lost both of their previous third-place play-off matches and could become the first nation ever to lose three such fixtures. England have also struggled against elite opposition, losing seven successive World Cup matches against teams that were ranked inside FIFA’s top ten before the tournament.

Head-to-Head

France have dominated recent meetings between the two nations, with England winning just one of their last nine encounters (two draws, six defeats). Les Bleus also eliminated England from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Key Statistics

France have been defensively solid throughout the tournament, with only one of their last six matches seeing both teams score.

Their attacking threat has often come after the break, with each of their last seven World Cup goals arriving after the 40th minute.

England’s recent fixtures have been far more open, with both teams scoring in each of their last four matches. Nine of the Three Lions’ last 12 goals have also come in the second half.

Players to Watch

Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has enjoyed an outstanding tournament, registering five assists. Another assist would see him equal Pelé’s long-standing World Cup record of six assists in a single edition.

For England, Harry Kane could be making his final World Cup appearance. The captain is already his country’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 14 goals, with his last four strikes all coming after the hour mark.

Team News

France are expected to be without William Saliba after the defender sustained a serious back injury against Spain, an issue that is expected to keep him sidelined for several months.

England also have injury concerns, with Reece James doubtful after suffering another fitness setback during the defeat to Argentina.

Prediction

Third-place play-offs often lack the intensity of knockout football, particularly after the emotional disappointment of losing a semi-final. With both teams likely to be mentally drained and already looking ahead to the future, this could prove to be a cagey affair.

Prediction: France 1-0 England