Macron hails Deschamps as France era ends

Emmanuel Macron has praised Didier Deschamps as the France manager prepares to step down after 14 years in charge.

Deschamps is taking charge of France for the final time in the World Cup third-place match against England, bringing an end to a long spell that began in 2012.

In a post on social media, Macron said: "Tonight, a page in the history of French football is turning." He also thanked Deschamps for the victories and emotions he has given supporters, saying his legacy goes beyond trophies.

Macron described Deschamps as the man who shaped a generation in French football. He referred to the idea of a "Deschamps generation" and said the coach's time with the national team would be remembered as one of the most important periods in the country's football history.

During his tenure, Deschamps won the 2018 World Cup and the Nations League, reached two more World Cup finals, and took France to three straight World Cup semi-finals.