Deschamps to make decision on France future in January as head coach reflects on 'tricky situation' prior to World Cup final defeat

• France lose World Cup final
• Beaten on penalties by Argentina
• Deschamps unsure of future

WHAT HAPPENED: France failed to successfully defend their World Cup title after being beaten on penalties in Sunday's final in Qatar. Les Bleus battled back from 2-0 down to force extra time, which ended 3-3. However, Argentina ran out 4-2 winners in the shootout, leaving Deschamps to admit he needs to think about his future and whether he will continue as manager.

WHAT THEY SAID: "Even if we'd won, I wouldn't reply to that question tonight. I'm sad for my players and staff...I'll have a meeting with the president at the beginning of next year and then you'll find out," he told reporters. "The squad has been facing a tricky situation...maybe that had a physical and psychological impact. But I had no concerns about the players who started. They were 100% fit but we only had four days since the last match so perhaps there is some tiredness."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Deschamps has led France to back-to-back World Cup finals but his contract expired after the tournament in Qatar. President Emmanuel Macron has already called on the French FA to hand the manager a new deal but it seems Deschamps has yet to decide if he wants to continue in the role.

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WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE? Les Bleus return to action in March when they take on the Netherlands in qualifying for Euro 2024.