Deschamps to tweak lineup as France readies for World Cup third-place clash with England
France coach Didier Deschamps said he will make changes to the starting XI for Saturday's third-place match against England, while striker Kylian Mbappé remains available and is tied for the tournament's Golden Boot.
France will adjust its lineup for the World Cup third-place match against England on Saturday, coach Didier Deschamps said. He confirmed that Kylian Mbappé, who is tied with Argentina's Lionel Messi at eight goals, will be available for the game. Deschamps added that he has a duty to do everything possible to achieve the team's objective and that some players may be rotated for personal reasons. England, having lost 2-1 to Argentina in the semifinal, will seek to finish on the podium, while France aims to secure the $2 million prize and ranking points awarded to the winner of the third-place match.
"Whether they play or not, I have the duty as a head coach to do everything I can to reach tomorrow's objective," Deschamps said. "It is one game. I have some keys in my possessions. Some players might play, others due to personal reasons will want to play. I do not want to betray any discussions I had with the players. I do not have all the elements but, yes, I will substitute some players."
The match follows England's semifinal defeat to Argentina and offers both sides a chance to end the tournament with a medal.