Top News

Media outlets in France have expressed strong disappointment after Les Bleus conceded four goals before half-time in their World Cup bronze-medal play-off against England on Saturday night.

Following France’s 6-4 defeat to England, journalists across the country were highly critical of Didier Deschamps’ side, whose campaign ended in bitter disappointment despite entering the tournament among the favourites to win.

After suffering a shock semi-final loss to Spain, France’s hopes of salvaging pride were dashed when England secured a thrilling victory in the third-place match. The result marked a frustrating end to Deschamps’ celebrated tenure in charge of Les Bleus, and French media outlets did not hold back in their assessment of the team’s lacklustre display.

RMC Sport pundit Daniel Riolo praised the resilience of the Three Lions, who recovered from a painful semi-final defeat to Argentina, but questioned why France could not show similar resolve.

“What the English endured in their defeat to Argentina was far worse than what the French went through,” Riolo said on the programme After Foot, responding to Kylian Mbappe’s defence that France were simply ‘human’ after their earlier disappointment.

“The French were completely outplayed by Spain — they were eaten alive, it was over, goodbye!

“The English lost in the final minute. Their game was overturned in the last ten minutes. If there was one team that should have been shell-shocked and ready to go home, it was England!

“They played the first half with what was effectively their B team. Bellingham didn’t start. Kane didn’t play. I’m sorry, that excuse doesn’t hold. I don’t accept it.”

Among the players singled out for criticism was Manchester City forward Rayan Cherki. The youngster, who saw limited action throughout the tournament, was given a rare starting opportunity against England but was substituted at half-time after appearing to exchange words with Deschamps during a drinks break.

His performance was rated just two out of 10 by both L’Equipe and RMC, while Ouest-France slightly improved his score to three. Le Parisien described his display as ‘disappointing’.

Speaking alongside Riolo on After Foot, journalist Florent Gautreau argued that Cherki had “never been good” and warned that he could clash with rumoured incoming coach Zinedine Zidane if his attitude failed to improve.

“I think he had the right attitude within the group; he was a bit of a mascot,” Gautreau commented.

“I’m not judging Cherki’s personality because, generally, he’s a good lad, and things seem fine within the squad. His issue is with the coach, and that can happen.

“What bothers me is that he’s never been good. Whenever he comes on, he’s poor; when he starts, he’s poor.

“He shouldn’t assume that with Zidane, even if Zidane likes this type of player, he’ll be guaranteed protection.”