As the FIFA World Cup draws to a close, England and France are set to clash in the third-place play-off on Sunday morning AEST. This match comes after both teams faced defeats in the semifinals, falling short of their aspirations to compete for the prestigious title.

Match Preview

The third-placed play-off will kick off at 7am AEST, with ABC Sport providing live updates throughout the game. French forward Kylian Mbappé is in contention for the Golden Boot, currently tied with Argentina's Lionel Messi, each having scored eight goals. However, Messi holds the tiebreaker advantage with four assists compared to Mbappé's three. England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are also in the running, each having netted six goals.

Reflections from the Teams

Both teams expressed their reluctance to participate in this match. France defender Ibrahima Konate acknowledged the disappointment, stating, "None of us wanted to play in this game for third place." He emphasized the historical significance of the rivalry between France and England, adding, "We are looking forward to the game tomorrow, and let's see what will happen."

England's coach Thomas Tuchel also shared his sentiments, noting the desire of all four semifinalists to be in the final. "All of these four teams wanted to be in New York (at the final)," he remarked. Despite the circumstances, Tuchel highlighted the importance of the match, stating, "It's a chance to have the best result in 60 years for England." He urged his players to maintain their competitive mentality, emphasizing that it is a moment to showcase their capabilities throughout the tournament.

As the match approaches, both teams will aim to secure a moral victory, with the Golden Boot still a point of contention for Mbappé. The outcome of this encounter will not only determine third place but also provide a final opportunity for both nations to leave their mark on this World Cup.