Ten goals in Deschamps' farewell thriller – England claim bronze, Mbappé breaks his silence

England punished them in the 37th minute. Saka took advantage of a quick transition, raced past a completely disorganized French defence and scored England's third goal.

But the "Les Bleus" disaster did not end there. In the first minute of stoppage time, Saka capitalized on another mistake by the French defence, scored his second goal and sent England into the break with an incredible 4–0 lead.

France produced one of the worst first-half performances by a major football nation at a World Cup. Without energy, intensity, concentration or desire, Deschamps' players looked as if they were simply waiting for the final whistle.

Such a display provided a strong argument for FIFA to seriously consider scrapping the third-place playoff. It is difficult to find meaning in a match that one of the world's best national teams enters without a genuine competitive drive.

However, the second half looked as if the teams had swapped roles.

Deschamps made four substitutions at halftime, and the response was immediate. Mbappé reduced the deficit to 4–1 in the 48th minute, while Barcola halved England's advantage six minutes later.

France completely took control of the match. Michael Olise missed two good chances, while Dembélé was also dangerous, bringing much-needed energy to the "Tricolours'" attack.

In the 66th minute, Mbappé scored his second goal of the match and his tenth of the tournament after a fine combination with Dembélé. France had come back from 0–4 to 3–4 and threatened a potential historic comeback.

England were shaken, but in the 87th minute they were awarded a penalty. Saka stepped up, converted from the spot and completed his hat-trick to make it 5–3.