Didier Deschamps, Rayan Cherki and France
After France’s World Cup bronze-match defeat
Didier Deschamps faced another flashpoint with Rayan Cherki during France’s 6-4 defeat by England in his final match as national-team coach. Cherki reportedly reacted with visible defiance during a first-half hydration-break instruction.
Deschamps refused to settle scores publicly, but admitted his selection choices may have been wrong. The incident adds internal-friction context to the end of his 14-year France reign and Cherki’s difficult tournament role.