Didier Deschamps faced the media on the eve of what will be his final match leading France in Miami. The French coach dedicated nearly half an hour to addressing questions about the World Cup third-place playoff against England, as well as his impending departure from the team.

“In my mind, I know full well that this is the final curtain tomorrow. Without trying to be overly sentimental—though I doubt anyone will be—this team has been a part of my life for 25 years. It leaves its mark.” Deschamps reflected. “But I’m someone who looks ahead. The priority now is what comes next.”

A reshuffled lineup for the final act

While downplaying the match’s significance, the coach reassured that he and his staff would leave nothing to chance to achieve the team’s last objective. “No one can complain about being here. Forty-four teams didn’t make it past the group stage. We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we owe it to our nation to give our all.” He stressed the weight of wearing the French jersey, responsible to millions of supporters who have invested their hopes in the team.

Deschamps remained tight-lipped about his starting eleven. Prior to him, Ibrahima Konaté had urged the club to field the strongest possible team. “If we decide to rotate the squad and things don’t go our way, we’ll have to accept the consequences,” the Real Madrid defender cautioned. “We’re disappointed, but this is France versus England—two nations with deep footballing histories. We must respect the rivalry and the fans.”

Deschamps added, “No one will play out of obligation. There are no ‘easy’ choices. Every position matters. Will I make wholesale changes? That depends. Some players are unavailable, while others will be rested for strategic reasons.” While William Saliba’s absence seems likely, Kylian Mbappé remains fit and ready to play. The striker could still finish as the tournament’s top scorer, whether in this edition or beyond.