‘They want to play the final’ – England boss Thomas Tuchel bashes FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place match

England will face France in the third-place game on July 18.

Facing defending champions Argentina in the semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Thomas Tuchel-led Three Lions suffered a 2-1 loss at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on July 15.

After a competitive and physical first half between England and Argentina, Anthony Gordon finally found the space and netted the 1966 champions’ first goal of the game. However, they soon adopted a defensive approach when Thomas Tuchel substituted Gordon with Ezri Konsa.

In the last stretch of the game, Enzo Fernández scored from outside the box to equalise the game for La Albiceleste (85′). Seven minutes later, Lautaro Martinez scored the winner for Lionel Scaloni’s side (90+2′), preventing the game from going into extra time. Both goals were assisted by Lionel Messi, who has also scored eight goals in the tournament so far.

With the win, the defending champions advanced to the final of the FIFA World Cup, where they will lock horns against Luis de la Fuente’s Spain. Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel’s England have been forced into the third-place game against France, which is scheduled for the day before the final.

Thomas Tuchel bashes FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place match

German tactician Thomas Tuchel has claimed that neither France nor England are interested in playing in the third-place game at the FIFA World Cup. He stated that the teams do their best to reach the final and want to be part of the summit clash.

“None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match. They want to play the final. We gave everything to achieve that. Everyone plays to win the World Cup, but that’s how it is.”

The former Chelsea manager also voiced concern that the English side would have one fewer day to recover ahead of the game on Saturday, July 18. However, he later confirmed that the Three Lions will still participate in the game with full professionalism. He further added:

“We have one less day of recovery than France, but we will do it with professionalism.”

Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel’s men also have significant injury concerns. John Stones and Reece James have reportedly picked up injuries during the semi-final clash. Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson has also had surgery on his wrist. Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa are also reportedly going through injury concerns.

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