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Deschamps: Missing the Final Hurts, England Clash Is No Friendly

Didier Deschamps admitted France are hurting after missing out on the final, saying the disappointment shows the squad's ambition. He insisted the team will fully commit to the third-place playoff rather than treat it like a friendly.

Updated: 18 July 2026Permanent article link

France head coach Didier Deschamps has again spoken about the pain of his side's semi-final defeat.

Deschamps said failing to reach the final and missing their target inevitably left the team hurting, and that sense of disappointment reflects the squad's genuine hunger for results.

France still have the chance to finish third, and he said the team will do everything possible to secure that place. He stressed that the players have a responsibility to themselves, to the national team shirt and to all the fans who support them, and that the third-place playoff will not be approached like a friendly.

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