World Cup 2026: France boss takes responsibility for England defeat

MIAMI: France head coach Didier Deschamps accepted responsibility for his side's disappointing defeat to England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place play-off, admitting his team's poor first-half display proved too much to overcome despite an improved performance after the break.

France trailed 4-0 before mounting a spirited comeback, narrowing the deficit and threatening to pull level in an entertaining contest. However, England held on to secure a 6-4 victory and claim third place.

Reflecting on the defeat, Deschamps was critical of his team's opening 45 minutes, describing it as the decisive factor in the result.

"It’s a loss. We were down 4-0; we played a disgraceful first half. We did show some fight, though, and there were things we did well," he said.

The French manager acknowledged that his players responded positively after the interval and came close to completing an unlikely comeback before England regained control.

"We had two chances to tie it up at 4-4, and after that, we pushed forward a little more. We did what we know how to do," Deschamps added.

The 57-year-old also accepted personal responsibility for France's sluggish start, believing he should have prepared his side better for the occasion.

"It’s my fault; I must not have done what was needed in the first half," he admitted.

Despite taking encouragement from his team's determination to fight back, Deschamps said the defeat remained difficult to accept.

"At least it looked like something, even if the loss hurts. Obviously, it would have been better to finish third," he said.

France's campaign therefore ended in fourth place after falling short against England in the tournament's third-place play-off.