Where to begin with this thrilling encounter? Thomas Tuchel had anticipated a response, but he likely did not foresee the way England would react, especially against a France side seemingly relaxed during an astonishing first half where they conceded four goals.
With Kylian Mbappé chasing his second consecutive Golden Boot in Didier Deschamps’ final match at the helm of Les Bleus, England’s early lead—thanks to goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, and two from Bukayo Saka—almost slipped away. Mbappé ignited the comeback just after half-time and soon added another following a strike from Bradley Barcola.
At 27, Mbappé has become the first male player to score ten goals in World Cup history since Gerd Müller in 1970, placing the pressure back on Lionel Messi. Fortunately for England, Saka’s late penalty to finalize his hat-trick, coupled with Jude Bellingham’s seventh goal of the tournament after coming off the bench, ensured that what began with some supporters booing Tuchel ended with England claiming third place in the World Cup for the first time. While the wounds from their semi-final defeat to Argentina will linger, they at least closed out their campaign with a win.
Throughout the day, Miami’s overcast skies mirrored the sentiments of both teams, trying to maintain morale after their semi-final exits. Alongside his pursuit of Messi, Mbappé had personal motivation to send Deschamps off on a high note after 14 years in charge. Prior to the match, the Real Madrid star shared a message on social media expressing gratitude to the coach who led them to a second world title in 2018 and nearly achieved it again four years later. “Today is your last dance,” he wrote.
Tuchel, who recently extended his contract, has expressed his desire to lead England into Euro 2028 on home soil. However, following a tense pre-match press conference where he reiterated his decisions against Argentina were justified, the upcoming two years will challenge his ability to restore his reputation among England fans.
In a move similar to Deschamps, Tuchel made seven changes from the semi-final, with Rice unexpectedly appointed captain in place of Kane despite being injured throughout the tournament. Arsenal will have concerns about the length of William Saliba’s absence due to a back injury and may not have been pleased to see Saka starting.
Interest surrounded the absence of Kobbie Mainoo from the bench, the Manchester United midfielder who has yet to play a minute in the World Cup. The Football Association reported he was injured, while Jordan Henderson was listed among the substitutes despite having a broken arm sustained while celebrating England’s victory over Mexico.
Initially, France appeared to be struggling with a hangover from their semi-final. A careless pass from Désiré Doué in the third minute was intercepted by Rice, who made no mistake in front of goal. Mbappé stumbled over the ball while racing toward a scoring opportunity, and Saka had a goal disallowed for offside following a brilliant pass from Morgan Rogers. A block from Maxence Lacroix halted Saka’s next attempt before Konsa outjumped his marker, Adrien Rabiot, to head in Rice’s corner. England seemed determined to showcase their abilities.
Marcus Rashford embarrassed Warren Zaïre-Emery with a clever nutmeg before firing a powerful shot that was expertly saved by Maignan. At the other end, Dean Henderson made a stunning stop against Mbappé after he cut in from the left. Another save from Henderson initiated a counter that led to England’s third goal. A humorous sequence unfolded as Rashford and Saka exchanged attempts on goal before Saka finally found the net. A fantastic pass from Eberechi Eze set up Saka’s second just before half-time. France looked bewildered, despite Mbappé trying to lighten the mood.
Deschamps reacted at half-time by making four changes, bringing in Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola. They quickly reduced the deficit within three minutes when Mbappé finished off a through ball from Olise after England substitute Ollie Watkins lost possession. Barcola soon sprinted back to halfway with the ball under his arm after scoring to make it 4-2. Mbappé netted again after a series of passes with Olise at the edge of England’s box, and suddenly, Tuchel’s team was under pressure.
Somehow Olise failed to find the target when he had a chance to force extra time after outmaneuvering England’s defense. Bellingham and Elliot Anderson were called from the bench at that point. Saka, who had not played against Argentina, scored from the penalty spot to make it 5-3 after Djed Spence was fouled, before Bellingham sealed France’s fate with a powerful strike after Dembélé had pulled another goal back.
- World Cup 2026
- World Cup
- England
- France
- Bukayo Saka
- Kylian Mbappé
- match reports
