England ended their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on a high after producing an unforgettable attacking display to defeat France 6-4 in the third-place match at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, securing the bronze medal in one of the tournament’s most dramatic encounters.
Thomas Tuchel’s side responded brilliantly after the heartbreak of their semi-final defeat to Argentina, overwhelming France with four first-half goals before surviving an incredible second-half comeback from Didier Deschamps’ men.
England made the perfect start, stunning France after just three minutes when captain Declan Rice punished a midfield mistake before driving a powerful low strike beyond Mike Maignan.
The Three Lions doubled their advantage in the 16th minute as defender Ezri Konsa powered home following a corner, leaving France shell-shocked.
England continued to dominate and extended their lead through Bukayo Saka, who finished clinically in the 37th minute before adding his second deep into first-half stoppage time to send Tuchel’s men into the break with a commanding 4-0 advantage.
The scoreline reflected England’s ruthless attacking football, while France struggled defensively despite fielding a heavily rotated lineup in Didier Deschamps’ final match as national team coach.
Deschamps responded immediately by making four substitutions at half-time, and France looked like a completely different team after the restart.
Kylian Mbappe pulled one back just three minutes into the second half before Bradley Barcola added another in the 54th minute to reignite French hopes.
Mbappe then struck again in the 66th minute, reducing the deficit to just one goal as England suddenly found themselves under enormous pressure after surrendering a four-goal cushion.
With momentum shifting towards France, England found the decisive response.
Saka completed his memorable hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute after Morgan Rogers was brought down inside the box, restoring England’s two-goal advantage.
Although Ousmane Dembele scored France’s fourth goal in stoppage time, England had the final word as substitute Jude Bellingham calmly finished moments later to complete a remarkable 6-4 victory.
The third-place playoff also carried major significance in the race for the Golden Boot, with Mbappe continuing his battle alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi for the tournament’s top scorer award.
Despite France’s defeat, the Real Madrid forward once again demonstrated his world-class quality by scoring twice and leading his side’s spirited second-half revival.
Following the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup final after their late defeat to Argentina, England produced an emphatic response to secure third place.
Tuchel’s attacking approach delivered six goals and bronze medals for the Three Lions, while France’s defeat brought the curtain down on Didier Deschamps’ remarkable era in charge of Les Bleus.
Credit Photo : FIFA
