Mbappe will play against England in the consolation final for bronze at the 2026 World Cup

France head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that team leader Kylian Mbappe is ready to take the field in the World Cup third-place play-off against England. This match will be special for Le Bleu not only because of the importance of the tournament, but also because it will be Deschamps' last in charge of the national team. For 27-year-old Mbappe, this match has a huge individual significance. Despite the fact that France lost their chances for the championship, the striker continues to fight for the title of the best scorer of the tournament. Mbappe is currently tied for the top goal-scoring spot with Argentina captain Lionel Messi. However, the Argentine has the advantage thanks to more assists. With goals in the third-place match officially counted by FIFA, Mbappe has every chance of adding a Golden Boot and a bronze medal to his collection of awards. In preparation for his farewell match, Deschamps noted that he plans to give playing time to those who played less in the tournament: "Whether they play or not, it is my duty as the head coach to do everything possible to achieve tomorrow's goal. I have several options. Some players can play, others will want to play for personal reasons. I will replace some players," the manager said. The era of Deschamps in the national team began in 2012. Recalling his path, the coach, who previously led France to victory at the 1998 World Cup as captain, maintains a positive attitude: "I know this is the last match, and I don't want anyone to cry. I had the honor of experiencing both amazing moments and some more difficult ones. The French national team, with everything it entails in my professional life, is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me," the specialist emphasized. Motivation for a consolation final traditionally remains a difficult topic. The defender of the French national team, Ibrahim Konate, frankly agreed with the recent statement of the English coach Thomas Tuchel, who admitted that such matches do not bring pleasure to anyone. "Really, it wasn't our goal. I read Tuchel's words in the press, and it's true. We wanted to play in the final," Konate admitted. At the same time, the defender emphasized the importance of ending the tournament with dignity: We are still representing France. Many people dream of wearing this shirt and singing the Marseillaise, so we need to respect the shirt we wear," Konate concluded. We will remind, earlier it became known that