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It’s time for all England fans to sadly move from one all-time Oasis to another.
But before moving from “Wonderwall” to “Don’t Look Back in Anger”, which, curiously, follow each other in “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?” album: Let me start with a thought that I’m almost sure most share.
I want it to be known categorically that I understand perfectly why teams may object to playing the match for third place in the World Cup. Days after dealing with the emotions, the sadness, and all the psychological walls you have to overcome in your own head, you’re told to play for third place.
It is the definition of kicking someone when they are down or the image of continuous rain on an already wet Saturday. This match, Saturday’s game between France and England, is the football equivalent of an incredibly annoying classmate asking you for more homework when you were at school.
It’s Martin Prince’s match version of “The Simpsons.” And the fact that both teams have to play in the humidity of Miami makes it even more challenging.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham fell short in the World Cup. (Photo by Julian Finney – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
“None of these [England] players, none of the French players want to play in this game,” England coach Thomas Tuchel said at Friday’s press conference. “They want to play in the final, they gave everything to be in the final. Everyone plays to win the World Cup. But it is what it is, so we have one less day to recover. But we will do it professionally, of course.”
“It’s less important than the final,” repeated French coach Didier Deschamps. “England don’t want to play this game, and neither do we. But here we are.”
I prefer French defender Ibrahima Konate’s description of it, calling it a “chocolate medal”, which is a perfect way to describe it. It’s covered in bronze, much like a chocolate coin that breaks apart the moment you eat it. Or rather, since the game is being played in South Florida, the chocolate medal will obviously melt.
Both teams wanted something real. They were both very close to trying it.
However, there are still some narratives left in this consolation prize for third place.
I guess I can’t argue with the fact that this is Deschamps’ last game against Les Bleus. It will be a very emotional afternoon for the French team, as their 57-year-old coach will close the curtain on one of the most illustrious tenures in football history. This man led France to a World Cup title in 2018 (two if you include his playing career in 1998), a runners-up medal in 2022, a runners-up medal in the Euro final in 2016 and a Nations League victory in 2021. To be impressed by his tenure is an understatement.
Next to lead France will be their greatest legend and former midfield partner of Deschamps and World Cup winner in Zinedine Zidane. But that will be for another day, since Saturday will be Didi’s.
Then there is Kylian Mbappé, who is still playing for the Golden Boot and is currently tied with Lionel Messi with eight goals. Mbappé played another magnificent tournament in which, unfortunately, Spain’s powerful defensive unit became its last obstacle. “I’m sure returning to Madrid next month will be fun for him,” I say sarcastically. But of course, he has José Mourinho to wait for.
A bitter disappointment for Didier Deschamps and Kylian Mbappé (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
But let’s go back to Tuchel and England, who will see Saturday’s game as an obligation and not as a desired goal.
After losing 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina, the Three Lions are emotionally and physically exhausted, as this tournament has made a colossal effort, which ultimately turned into the most catastrophic disappointment. From the altitude of Mexico City to the heat and humidity of Miami against Norway and Erling Haaland, England’s campaign has been demanding and players have suffered as a result, including multiple injuries to Jordan Henderson, Reece James, Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a Bukayo Saka, who never looked 100 percent.
Against Argentina, however, that defeat on Wednesday (they fell to goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, thanks to an assist-creating masterclass from Lionel Messi) will forever be etched in the minds of every English player and fan. And it’s not necessarily the loss that will live in your memories, but the way it happened.
After the 55th minute, England led 1-0 and from that moment on, Tuchel had two options. Two doors opened for him. The question was which one would I choose?
In one goal, Tuchel could have continued slaying the dragon and pressed for a second goal. Or the other, where instead of fighting fire with fire, you could choose to succumb to the pressures of the moment and simply play a defensive game.
And this, unfortunately, was the only thing that cannot be done against Argentina. You just don’t do it. Argentina is a hungry, relentless pitbull (especially when they’re losing) and England taunted him with a piece of wagyu steak.
Thomas Tuchel’s tactics have come under scrutiny. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
The Three Lions are, mentally and physically, battered and bruised with more questions than answers as they are forced to play a consolation game. But I guess the symbolic angle is still there. After all, England have never finished higher than fourth, apart from winning it all in 1966.
So there is a slight attempt and hope to recover some kind of catharsis.
From an individual perspective, he could also offer an opportunity to players like Kobbie Mainoo, the wonderful Manchester United midfielder who has not seen a single minute of this World Cup. Marcus Rashford, who is still going through a precarious situation from a contractual point of view with the same club, could also start.
Then there are the key stars: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, England’s most important and dangerous players during this competition, have six goals each. They can also see this match as a goal to catch up in the race for the Golden Boot.
For Kane, we will also wonder if this will really be his last World Cup. The answer, honestly, for me is no. The Bayern Munich striker will turn 33 in a few weeks and will likely see Messi’s inspiring journey of continually bringing magic to his nation. So instinctively I see no reason for Kane to quit now. He will go down as England’s best striker, but the possibility of immortality in 2030 still appeals to him.
Will Lionel Messi’s inspiring World Cup run inspire Harry Kane? (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
As for Tuchel, reports suggest he will remain as England manager after the World Cup, despite huge frustrations from pundits and fans alike. The criticism is more than justified because he did something that we all hoped he would not do: a change of mentality against Argentina. He opened the door and the Albiceleste entered.
But alas, a good performance against France could perhaps change the mindset of certain critics, myself included. However, this is all conjecture and wishful thinking, as I don’t think a third-place victory will do much to sway opinion. In fact, it could do the opposite and only reinforce a pre-existing opinion, because if we see a strong, physical and intense England for 90 minutes against France, the question could now become: “Where was this on Wednesday?”
Whether anyone likes it or not, the third place match will be played and England’s participation in this World Cup will come to an end. I’ll follow Sally’s advice to Noel Gallagher not to look back in anger, at least not today.
