England produced a breathtaking attacking display to defeat France 6-4 in a dramatic third-place playoff, ending their FIFA World Cup campaign on a high in one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches.
Played before a lively crowd in Miami, the encounter lived up to its billing as both teams abandoned caution in pursuit of victory, combining for an astonishing 10 goals in a relentless end-to-end contest.
England ultimately emerged victorious, claiming the bronze medal after repeatedly punishing France’s defensive lapses while showcasing clinical finishing throughout the game.
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The Three Lions raced into an early advantage in the first half with four goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a brace from Bukayo Saka, setting the tone for a match packed with attacking football.
France responded in the second half with three goals, with golden boot contender Kylian Mbappe scoring two and taking his tally to the summit with ten goals, two ahead of Lionel Messi, who plays in the finals on Sunday.
Bradley Barcola then pulled another goal back to make it 4-3.
England, however, consistently found another gear, restoring their cushion through a Saka penalty, who nicked his first World Cup hat-trick.
Both sides created numerous chances, delighting supporters with fast-paced football, incisive passing and spectacular finishes.
In injury time, however, the game came alive again when Ousmane Dembélé pulled one back in the 96th minute but England responded in kind when substitute Jude Bellingham ran through the French defense in the 98th minute to score a magical goal, taking his tally to 7 goals.
By the final whistle, England had outscored France 6-4, sealing third place in style.
The third-place playoff turned into an attacking spectacle as defensive discipline gave way to free-flowing football.
England’s forwards capitalised on defensive mistakes, while France continued to battle until the closing minutes, ensuring the contest remained entertaining from start to finish.
The result saw England conclude their World Cup journey with a confidence-boosting victory, while France were left to reflect on missed opportunities despite scoring four goals.
Although both nations fell short of reaching the World Cup final, England’s emphatic victory provided a positive finish to their campaign.
The performance demonstrated the team’s attacking depth and resilience, offering encouragement ahead of future international competitions.
For France, the defeat marked a disappointing end to an otherwise competitive tournament, with defensive frailties proving costly in Miami.