Deschamps denies time off before third-place match; Mbappé targets Golden Boot

Hupu, July 17 — L'Équipe reports on France's preparations for the World Cup third-place match. The French team had hoped to use last night's free time in Florida, but Didier Deschamps insists there is still a match to win.

The World Cup is over for France, but not truly over: the team has arrived in Miami for the "third-place" battle—a match no one wants to play, not even the English. France was scheduled to arrive shortly after midnight French time at the FIFA-designated hotel in Fort Lauderdale, close to the stadium but, more importantly, adjacent to a four-lane highway.

Waking up in the morning, the view was not of the sea. This has at least one advantage: it reminds them that their vacation hasn't started yet—though most have already booked one, some even in Florida. Is this enough to regroup and approach the match with the mindset of competing for third place in the 23rd World Cup?

Player Requests Denied

Before departing from Boston at 3 p.m. yesterday, the vast majority of players were most concerned about whether they would have free time in Miami. They hoped to use this opportunity to relax their minds. But despite their insistence, even proposing a midnight curfew as a compromise, they ultimately did not get their way. Didier Deschamps does not want to end the tournament with two consecutive losses, nor does he want to end his tenure as national team coach with two defeats.

Coaching Staff in Preparation Mode

If the team has not yet shifted its focus to this match, the coaching staff is already in preparation mode and is not convinced by the English claim that they "don't care." Yesterday morning, during the final moments at the Boston training base, players conducted an indoor session under the guidance of fitness coach Cyril Moine and physiotherapists. They will hold their final training session at 5 p.m. today. This will be an opportunity for Deschamps to assess the players' condition and motivation. Significant changes are expected in the starting lineup.

Injury Updates and Expected Lineup

In the semi-final against Spain, William Saliba was substituted around the 20th minute due to back pain—now unbearable—and will miss this match. Brice Samba has a calf injury and cannot replace Mike Maignan in goal. Therefore, Maignan is likely to start again, as is Kylian Mbappé—who was injured the day after the elimination but is ready to fight for his second consecutive World Cup top scorer award.

Defense

• Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konaté, and Theo Hernández are strong candidates to start.
• The final spot is to be decided between Lacroix and Lucas Hernández.

Midfield

• The double pivot should consist of Warren Zaïre-Emery and N'Golo Kanté—the latter will make his first appearance in this World Cup.

Attack

• Maghnes Akliouche, Marcus Thuram, and Rayan Cherki may get their first starts—unless Deschamps decides to start Désiré Doué again.

France's final training session in Florida may reveal his intentions. Meanwhile, the English team has received special permission from FIFA to train at their base in Kansas City.

Source: L'Équipe

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Mbappé is going to start scoring

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