England beat France 6-4 in record World Cup thriller

MIAMI: England secured third place at the FIFA World Cup after defeating France 6-4 in a breathtaking, record-breaking playoff that produced 10 goals and relentless end-to-end action in Miami on Saturday.

Making seven changes to the starting lineup, including captain Harry Kane, England began the contest with remarkable intensity. Their aggressive approach paid off almost immediately when Declan Rice fired home in the third minute, giving the Three Lions an early advantage and putting France under instant pressure.

France attempted to respond with several attacking moves, but England’s goalkeeper produced a series of crucial saves to deny the French forwards. Rather than sitting back after taking the lead, England continued to attack, a strategy that proved highly effective.

Konsa doubled England’s advantage in the 18th minute before Bukayo Saka struck in the 37th minute. The Arsenal winger added another goal deep into first-half stoppage time to complete a brilliant first-half display, sending England into the break with a commanding 4-0 lead.

France emerged as a transformed side after halftime. Star forward Kylian Mbappe sparked the comeback with the team’s opening goal before Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit further. Mbappe then grabbed his second goal of the match, raising hopes of an unlikely French recovery.

However, England responded when Saka calmly converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick and restore his side’s cushion. Ousmane Dembele kept France in the contest by scoring their fourth goal, but Jude Bellingham ended any remaining hopes with a late strike to seal a memorable 6-4 victory.

The thrilling encounter not only earned England the bronze medal but also set a new FIFA World Cup record for the highest-scoring third-place playoff in tournament history.

England’s fearless attacking display, highlighted by Saka’s hat-trick and Bellingham’s late finish, ensured the 2026 World Cup concluded on a high note for the Three Lions, while France were left to reflect on a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful comeback.