World Cup third-place playoff: France and England play for farewells and records

France and England will meet on Saturday in the World Cup third-place playoff after both teams suffered heartbreaking semifinal losses. France lost 2-0 to Spain on Tuesday, while England fell 2-1 to Argentina a day later.

With both teams physically and emotionally drained after deep runs in the expanded 48-team tournament, the bronze medal match may feel like an unwanted task for players who dreamed of lifting the trophy. England coach Thomas Tuchel said, "None of these players want to play this match. They want to be in the final."

However, for some the game holds extra significance. France coach Didier Deschamps will take charge of Les Bleus for the final time after a 14-year reign that included the 2018 World Cup title and a final appearance in 2022. His players have one last chance to send off the man who established France as a consistent force in international football.

France captain Kylian Mbappe has 8 goals in this tournament and 20 overall, putting him in contention for the Golden Boot. Argentina's Lionel Messi tops the scoring chart with 8 goals and 4 assists, and holds the all-time record with 21 goals. Mbappe has a chance to match or surpass that record.

England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham each have 6 goals and an outside chance at the Golden Boot if they play.

Both teams are expected to rotate their squads, giving minutes to fringe players. The third-place team earns $2 million more than the fourth-place team: $29 million vs. $27 million.