England will face France in the World Cup bronze final on Saturday evening at Miami Stadium, with more than pride at stake. The winner will receive £21.5 million in prize money, while the loser takes home £20 million, according to FIFA's expanded prize fund for this tournament.
Both Teams Eager to Win
France arrived in North America as tournament favourites but were stunned 2-0 by Spain in the semi-final. This match marks Didier Deschamps' final game in charge of Les Bleus. "I have a duty for this game," Deschamps told a press conference. "It is not a friendly. It is a third-place playoff. The players, staff, and I have the duty to reach this last objective."
England's hopes were dashed by Argentina in the semi-finals. Manager Thomas Tuchel, who has two years left on his contract, faces scrutiny after his decisions against Argentina. He echoed Deschamps' sentiment, acknowledging the importance of the match.
Prize Money and Medals
The bronze final's victor will net £21.5 million, while the loser gets £20 million. The third-place finisher also receives a set of bronze medals. No trophy is awarded. England have never won the third-place play-off in two previous attempts, losing to Belgium in 2018 and Italy in 1990.
Deschamps added, "It is less important than the final. England does not want to play this game, and neither do we. But here we are. We have to set our eyes on that goal to be third and make this final goal a reality. We have this duty when wearing this jersey."
Coaches' Perspectives
Deschamps acknowledged the emotional weight: "In my head I know that it is my last match. I don't want anybody to cry. The end is near but life goes on." Tuchel, meanwhile, hopes to save face with a win after criticism. Both teams are motivated to avoid a meaningless end to their campaigns.
