England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted that neither his players nor France's squad want to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff, insisting both teams would rather be preparing for Sunday's final in New Jersey.
The Three Lions came within minutes of reaching only their second World Cup final after Anthony Gordon gave them a 55th-minute lead against Argentina in the semi-finals. However, Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro MartÃnez struck a stoppage-time winner to send the South Americans through, leaving the 1966 world champions heartbroken.
France, meanwhile, saw their hopes of lifting a third World Cup title dashed by Spain, who secured a 2-0 victory in the other semi-final thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
England and France will now meet in Saturday's third-place playoff in Miami, but Tuchel acknowledged the fixture is one neither side truly wanted to play.
"None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match. They all wish to compete in the final," Tuchel said, according to The Touchline.
"We gave everything to get there. Everyone wants to win the World Cup, but that's the reality. We have one less day of recovery than France, but we will approach the match professionally."
England and France will be aiming to end their World Cup campaigns on a positive note by claiming third place after falling short in the semi-finals.
