England’s World Cup ‘Wonderwall’ run fell short but don’t look back in anger

It’s time for every England fan to sadly move from one Oasis all-timer to another.

But before we jump from “Wonderwall” to “Don’t Look Back in Anger” – which interestingly follow each other on “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?” album — let me begin with a thought that I’m almost certain is shared by the majority.

I want it categorically known that I completely understand why teams might be opposed to playing in the World Cup third place match. Days after dealing with the emotions and the sadness and all the psychological walls you have to overcome in your own head – you are told to play for third place.

It’s the definition of kicking someone when they’re down, or the image of persistent rain on an already wet Saturday. This match, Saturday’s game between France and England, is the footballing equivalent of an incredibly annoying classmate who would ask for more homework when you were in school.

It is the match version of Martin Prince from “The Simpsons”. And the fact that both of these sides have to play it in Miami’s humidity makes it even more challenging.

“None of these [England] players, none of the French players want to play this game,” England manager Thomas Tuchel said at Friday’s press conference. “They want to play in the final, they gave everything to be in the final. Everyone is playing to win the World Cup. But it is what it is, so we have one less day to recover. But of course we want to do it professionally.’

“It’s less important than the final,” reiterated France manager Didier Deschamps. “England don’t want to play this game and neither do we. But here we are.”

I prefer French defender Ibrahima Konate’s description of it, calling it a “chocolate medal”, which is a perfect way to describe it. It’s covered in bronze, like a chocolate coin that shatters the moment you eat it. Or rather, since the game is being played in South Florida, the chocolate medal will naturally melt.

Both teams wanted the real thing. Both came oh-so-close to tasting it.

However, there are still some tales to be told in this third-place consolation prize.

I guess I can’t argue against this being Deschamps’ last game with Les Bleus. It will be a highly emotional afternoon for the French side as its 57-year-old coach will bring the curtain down on one of the most famous managerial positions in football history. This man led France to a World Cup title in 2018 (two if you include his playing career in 1998), a runners-up medal in 2022, a European Championship winner’s medal in 2016 and a Nations League victory in 2021. To be impressed by his tenure is an understatement.

Next to lead France will be its ultimate legend and Deschamps’ former midfield partner and World Cup winner in Zinedine Zidane. But that’s another day, as Saturday will belong to Didi.

Then there is Kylian Mbappé, who is still playing for the Golden Boot award, currently tied with Lionel Messi on eight goals. Mbappé had another magnificent tournament, with the mighty defensive unit in Spain unfortunately becoming his ultimate obstacle. I’m sure it will be fun for him to return to Madrid next month – I say sarcastically. But then again he has José Mourinho to look forward to.

A bitter disappointment for Didier Deschamps and Kylian Mbappé (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

But back to Tuchel and England, who will see Saturday’s game as an obligation as opposed to a desired goal.

After losing 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina, the Three Lions are emotionally and physically drained as this tournament has produced a colossal effort that ultimately turned out to be the most disastrous disappointment. From the altitude of México City to the heat and humidity of Miami against Norway and Erling Haaland, England’s campaign has been demanding and players have suffered as a result, including multiple injuries to Jordan Henderson, Reece James, Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a Bukayo Saka who was never quite at 100 per cent.

Against Argentina on Wednesday, that loss – which came down to goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martinez, made possible by a masterclass in assist creation from Lionel Messi – will forever be etched in the minds of every England player and supporter. And it is not necessarily the loss that will live in their memories, but rather the way it happened.

After the 55th minute England led 1-0 and from that moment Tuchel had two opportunities. Two doors were opened for him. The question was, which one would he choose?

At one door Tuchel could have continued to slay the dragon and push for another goal. Or the other, where instead of fighting fire with fire, he could choose to succumb to the pressure of the moment and just play a defensive game.

And this, unfortunately, was the one thing you can’t do against Argentina. You just don’t. Argentina is a hungry, relentless pit bull – especially when losing – and England teased it with a piece of wagyu steak.

Thomas Tuchel’s tactics have been put under scrutiny. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

The three lions are, mentally and physically, battered and bruised with more questions than answers as they are forced to play in a game of consolation. But the symbolic angle is probably still there. After all, England have never finished higher than fourth apart from winning it all back in 1966.

So there is a small attempt and hope to regain some form of catharsis.

From an individual perspective, it could also offer an opportunity to players like Kobbie Mainoo, the prodigious midfielder from Manchester United, who has not seen a single minute of this World Cup. Marcus Rashford, who continues to deal with a precarious situation from a contractual point of view with the same club, could also start.

Then there are key stars: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, England’s most important and dangerous players in this competition, each have six goals. They can also see this match as a goal to catch up with the golden boot race.

For Kane, we also want to ask if this really will be his last World Cup. The answer, honestly, for me, is no. The Bayern Munich striker turns 33 in a few weeks and is likely watching Messi’s inspiring journey of constantly delivering magic for his nation. So instinctively I don’t see a reason for Kane to stop now. He will go down as England’s greatest striker, but the chance of immortality in 2030 still appeals to him.

Will Lionel Messi’s inspiring World Cup career inspire Harry Kane? (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

As for Tuchel, reports suggest he will stay on as England manager after the World Cup, despite the massive frustrations from pundits and fans alike. The criticism is more than justified because he did something we all hoped he wouldn’t – a change in mentality against Argentina. He opened the door and La Albiceleste burst in.

But alas, a strong performance against France might change the mindset of certain critics, myself included. However, this is all conjecture and wishful thinking as I don’t think a third place win will do much to sway public opinion. In fact, it could do the opposite and only enforce a pre-existing opinion, because if we see a strong, physical and intense England for 90 minutes against France, the question may now turn into: “Where was this on Wednesday?”

Whether anyone likes it or not, the battle for third place will indeed take place and England’s time at this World Cup will come to an end. I will follow the advice Sally gave Noel Gallagher not to look back in anger – at least not today.