England's hero in the victory was Bukayo Saka, who scored a hat-trick, while Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham also found the net for the "Three Lions". France's goals were scored by Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice, as well as Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé.This was also Didier Deschamps' final match as France manager. The coach, who took charge of the national team in 2012, won the 2018 World Cup and reached the final four years later, ended his tenure with a defeat in a match that produced ten goals.Both managers decided to make changes to their lineups. Thomas Tuchel left Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford on the bench, while France started without Ousmane Dembélé, Lucas Digne and Jules Koundé.England showed from the start that they were far more motivated to win the bronze medal. In the third minute, Rice took advantage of a mistake by the French defence to give his team the lead.France's first chance came in the 11th minute through Rayan Cherki, but Dean Henderson made a good save. Just a minute later, Saka found the net against Mike Maignan, but the goal was ruled out for offside.However, France only briefly avoided another setback. Following a corner in the 18th minute, Ezri Konsa rose highest in the box and headed home to make it 2–0.The #ThreeLions' best-ever World Cup finish on foreign soil 👊 pic.twitter.com/AUVdkZzAGB— England (@England) July 18, 2026England 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. Nos Bleus nous auront fait vibrer en seconde période mais s’inclinent face à l’Angleterre dans cette petite finale.🇫🇷4-6🏴 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/WiOk3VRhy1— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 18, 2026 The goal fest still was not over.Dembélé scored to give France hope once again, but Bellingham had the final say. The England midfielder, who started the match on the bench, found the net and sealed the final score at 6–4.The first half was perhaps the strongest argument yet for scrapping the third-place playoff, while the second half offered the complete opposite response — six goals, a remarkable French comeback attempt and drama almost until the final attack.England eventually secured their first World Cup bronze medal and achieved their best tournament result since winning the title in 1966. France said farewell to Deschamps with a defeat, but their second-half reaction at least softened the impression left by their disastrous opening 45 minutes.History has been madeThe match between England and France became the second-highest scoring game in World Cup history, behind only the 1954 clash between Austria and Switzerland, which ended in a 7–5 victory for Austria.  
19.7.2026.
2:54
Ten goals in Deschamps' farewell thriller – England claim bronze, Mbappé breaks his silence
England have secured third place at the World Cup after defeating France 6–4 (4–0) in a wild and high-scoring match in Miami.
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