England’s ‘Wonderwall’ World Cup run failed, but don’t look back in anger

It’s time for all English fans to sadly move from one Oasis history to another.

But before we move on from “Wonderwall” to “Don’t Look Back in Anger” – which, interestingly enough, follows on from “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?” album – let me start with a thought that I’m pretty sure is shared by the majority.

I want to make it categorically clear that I completely understand why teams might object to participating in the World Cup third place match. A few days after facing the emotions, the sadness and all the psychological walls you have to overcome in your own head, you are told to play for third place.

It’s the definition of kicking someone when they’re down or the image of continuous rain on an already wet Saturday. This match, Saturday’s between France and England, is the footballing equivalent of an incredibly annoying classmate who asked you for more homework when you were at school.

It’s the match version of Martin Prince from “The Simpsons.” And the fact that these two teams have to play in the humidity of Miami makes it even more difficult.

“None of them [England] “They want to play in the final, they gave everything to be in the final. Everyone is playing to win the World Cup. But that’s how it is, so we have one less day to recover. But we will do it professionally, of course.”

“It’s less important than the final,” repeated French coach Didier Deschamps. “England don’t want to play this game, and neither do we. But here we are.”

I prefer the description of French defender Ibrahima Konaté, calling him a “chocolate medal”, which is a perfect way to describe him. It is covered in bronze, a bit like a piece of chocolate that shatters as soon as you eat it. Or rather, since the game is being played in South Florida, the chocolate medal will obviously melt.

Both teams wanted the real deal. The two were so close to tasting it.

However, there are still a few stories in this consolation prize for third place.

I can’t dispute the fact that this is Deschamps’ last match with the Blues. It will be a very emotional afternoon for the French team, as their 57-year-old manager brings the curtain down on one of the most illustrious managerial tenures in football history. This man led France to a World Cup title in 2018 (two if you include his playing career in 1998), a runner-up medal in 2022, a Euro runner-up medal in 2016 and a Nations League victory in 2021. To be impressed by his tenure is an understatement.

Next to lead France will be their ultimate legend and Deschamps’ former midfield partner and World Cup winner, Zinedine Zidane. But that’s for another day since Saturday will belong to Didi.

Then there’s Kylian Mbappé, still playing for the Golden Boot, currently tied with Lionel Messi with eight goals. Mbappé had another magnificent tournament where, unfortunately, Spain’s powerful defensive unit became his final obstacle. I’m sure going back to Madrid next month will be fun for him – I said sarcastically. But then again, he has José Mourinho to look forward to.

A bitter disappointment for Didier Deschamps and Kylian Mbappé (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

But back to Tuchel and England, who will view Saturday’s match as an obligation rather than a desired goal.

After losing 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina, the Three Lions are emotionally and physically exhausted as this tournament provided a colossal effort, which ultimately turned into the most catastrophic disappointment. From the altitude of México City to the heat and humidity of Miami against Norway and Erling Haaland, England’s campaign was demanding, and players suffered as a result, including multiple injuries to the likes of Jordan Henderson, Reece James, Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a Bukayo Saka, who never looked 100 percent.

Against Argentina, however, that defeat on Wednesday – thanks to goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martinez, made possible by a masterclass in assist creation from Lionel Messi – will forever be etched in the mind of every England player and supporter. And it’s not necessarily the loss that will stay with them, but rather the way in which it happened.

After the 55th minute, England led 1-0 and from that point on, Tuchel had two options. Two doors were opened for him. The question was which one would he choose?

At one goal, Tuchel could have continued to slay the dragon and pressed for a second goal. Or the other, where instead of fighting fire with fire, he might choose to succumb to the pressures of the moment and simply play a defensive game.

Unfortunately, that’s the only thing we can’t do against Argentina. This is simply not the case. Argentina is a hungry, relentless pitbull – especially when she loses – and England teased her with a piece of wagyu steak.

Thomas Tuchel’s tactics have been scrutinized. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

The Three Lions are, mentally and physically, battered and bruised with more questions than answers as they are forced to play in a consolation match. But I guess the symbolic angle is still there. England, after all, have never finished higher than fourth, apart from winning it all in 1966.

So there is a slight attempt and hope to find some sort of catharsis.

From an individual perspective, it could also provide an opportunity for players like Kobbie Mainoo, the wonder Manchester United midfielder who hasn’t seen a single minute of this World Cup. Marcus Rashford, who continues to face a precarious contractual situation with the same club, could also start.

Then there are the key stars: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, the most important and dangerous English players in this competition, have scored six goals each. They could also see this match as a goal to catch up in the race for the Golden Boot.

For Kane, we will also wonder if this will indeed be his last World Cup. Honestly, the answer is no for me. The Bayern Munich striker turns 33 in a few weeks and will likely see Messi’s inspiring journey of continually bringing magic to his nation. So instinctively, I see no reason for Kane to stop now. He will remain England’s greatest striker, but the chance of immortality in 2030 still beckons him.

Will Lionel Messi’s inspiring World Cup career inspire Harry Kane? (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

As for Tuchel, reports suggest he will remain as England coach after the World Cup, despite huge frustrations from pundits and fans alike. The criticism is more than justified because he did something we all hoped he wouldn’t do: a mentality reversal against Argentina. He opened the door and the Albiceleste broke in.

But alas, a good performance against France could perhaps change the mindset of some critics, including myself. However, this is all conjecture and wishful thinking, as I don’t think a third place win will do much to sway opinion. In fact, it could do the opposite and only reinforce a pre-existing opinion, because if we see a strong, physical and intense England for 90 minutes against France, the question could now turn into: “Where was it Wednesday?”

Like it or not, the third place match will indeed take place and England’s participation in this World Cup will come to an end. I’ll follow the advice Sally gave Noel Gallagher not to look back in anger – at least not today.