France head coach Didier Deschamps has reportedly turned down a request from his players for a night out ahead of Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff against England.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, the players had asked for a free evening to clear their minds following France’s 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain earlier this week.

However, Deschamps rejected the request, insisting on maintaining focus as France aim to avoid ending their World Cup campaign with consecutive defeats.

The French squad travelled from their training base in Boston to Miami on Thursday in preparation for the third-place encounter.

France will face England, who were beaten 2-1 by Argentina in the other semi-final, in a bid to finish the tournament on a winning note.