New Delhi, July 18 -- Neither France nor England wanted to face off in a third-place playoffs match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Coming into the tournament as favourites to win title, France were flawless until Didier Deschamps men fell short in front of Spain in the semifinals.

On the other hand, England were aiming to end their 60-year World Cup drought, but were undone by Argentina's late comeback despite leading by a goal for majority of the game. And instead of playing in Sunday's final, England and France will face each other in a consolation match.

"None of us wanted to play in this game for third place," France defender Ibrahima Konate said during the pre-match presser. "But we don't have a choice to play. France and England have...