England vs France third place play-off: Is it still worth watching? Sheffield football fans have their say
Beaten World Cup semi-finalists England and France face off in this weekend’s third place play-off
England’s hopes of winning the World Cup came to an agonising halt on Wednesday evening when they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Argentina.
However, Thomas Tuchel’s side haven’t jetted home just yet as they still have to play a third place play-off with 2018 winners France after their defeat to Spain in the other semi-final.
It marks England’s third appearance in the battle for bronze after Bobby Robson’s side were beaten 2-1 by Italy in 1990 with Gareth Southgate’s side falling to a 2-0 defeat to Belgium 18 years later.
Too many the third place play-off is nothing more than a glorified friendly and a match that they’ll pay very little attention to. However, to others it’s a matter of national pride to try and emerge as the best of the rest - and also to see a few different players that have perhaps been in the periphery of the team get their chance to shine and prove they are capable of playing a more central role.
With all that in mind, we decided to ask our readers to share their view on the third place play-off and if they are still interested in watching the Three Lions one more time in North America. Here’s how they responded.
Jane Mellor kicked off the conversation by expressing pride at England’s performance over the tournament despite the outcome not being what she wanted.
She said: “Of course we would prefer to be playing on Sunday but this year there were more countries than ever in this World Cup and England is still in the last 4. To me, that is still a great result. Anyone who only supports them when they are winning is not a true supporter. Bronze medals mean something too.”
Tina Rudkin echoed the view and pointed out the fixture’s importance as it counts towards the World Cup Golden Boot race.
She added: “It’s a chance for Bellingham and Kane to add more goals to their tally, and to have two players in one team up for the golden boot is an achievement in itself. I do hope they get a chance to do this but would also like to see the lads that haven’t played get a game just so they can say that they were involved at the World Cup.”
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have both managed six goals at the tournament so far, meaning they’d need at least a brace to finish level with Lionel Messi, who still has one more fixture to play against Spain in the World Cup final.
Sheffield Wednesday fan John Moorby will be watching the match. He said: “When you’re a supporter of a team you support them through thick and thin. From a Sheffield Wednesday supporter.”
Fellow Wednesdayite, Jonathan Swfc agreed. He commented: “I will be watching the match on Saturday night, you don't get athletes at the Olympics turning down a Bronze medal opportunity. We're in it so we should try and win it.”
Jackie Stanley played down the importance of the fixture. She said: “Nobody remembers who came 3rd.”
White Rose Food Ltd said: “It’s a non-event that the players will have no interest in.”
Paul Athorne agreed, adding: “It's a game neither team wants to play in. They're always lacklustre events. I hope the players who haven't got to play get a chance.”
Chris Atkinson said: “I’ll be watching with pride just wasn’t to be this time.”
The third place play-off marks the final match of Didier Deschamps long, storied career as manager of France, having led the national team for 14 years, a rare feat in the modern era.
Thomas Tuchel is expected to remain in the dugout for the European Championships on home soil in two years time. He signed a contract extension back in February which runs until the end of that particular tournament.