France defender Jules Kounde insists the World Cup third-place play-off is a match that ‘shouldn’t even be played’ after the thrilling 6-4 loss to England on Saturday.
Both nations suffered heartbreak in their semi-finals, with France beaten 2-0 by Spain and England losing 2-1 to Argentina.
Those two victorious countries will meet in Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey, while the defeated sides faced off on Saturday in Miami.
While it might be a largely pointless contest, it was a brilliant one, with the Three Lions ending their campaign on a high.
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England were 4-0 up at half-time thanks to goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and two from Bukayo Saka.
France looked a shadow of the team they had been earlier in the tournament, but in Didier Deschamps’ last game in charge they significantly improved after the break.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Bradley Barcola got another to go back within one goal of England.
However, Saka completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute from the penalty spot to ease England’s nerves of a monumental collapse.
The drama was not over there, though, as Ousmane Dembele netted in injury time, before Jude Bellingham scored a brilliant solo goal to end the scoring at 6-4 in England’s favour.
A frustrated Kounde, who only came on in stoppage time, bemoaned the first half performance and the fact that the teams had to play the game at all after being eliminated days earlier.
‘We had a very, very bad first half for several reasons,’ the Barcelona defender said, via L’Equipe. ‘In the second half, we were much more up to the task of wearing the blue jersey.
‘It wasn’t enough, even though we had a lot of chances in the second half. We’re all disappointed to finish with a second defeat and not to have been able to give the coach a win.
‘My biggest regret is not reaching the final; it’s a tough match to play. Personally, I think it’s a match that shouldn’t even be played, because it’s incredibly difficult as a competitor to play it after having prepared for a single goal: the final.
‘That said, we owe it to ourselves to do better. Overall, we left a positive impression, and people enjoyed watching us play, but finishing like this leaves a bitter taste.’
Deschamps has been in charge of France since 2012, but is stepping down after his latest World Cup effort.
He leaves having won the 2018 World Cup and having made the final in 2022 and the European Championship final in 2016.
On his final words as France boss, Kounde revealed: ‘It was difficult; he was emotional for his last one. He expressed his gratitude for the years spent together, for this competition, and for everything we gave, even if we didn’t do everything perfectly. In terms of team spirit, it was very positive, and we gave the French fans a lot of joy. That’s also what’s important.’