It’s a game nobody wants to play in, nobody really wants to watch, and is utterly meaningless. However, the World Cup 3rd place clash between England and France produced a chaotic and attacking free-for-all with 10 goals scored, a golden boot crowned and more questions for both sides as they end the tournament with goals, hugs and England’s technically best finish in the World Cup since ’66.

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Teams

England: Henderson, Spence, Guehi (Chalobah 90′), Konsa, Quansah (James 83′), Rice, Rashford (Watkins 46′), Eze (Anderson 79′), Rogers, Saka, Toney (Bellingham 79′)

Subs: Trafford, Pickford, Burn, Stones, O’Reilly, Henderson, Gordon, Kane, Madueke

France: Maignan, Hernandez (Upamecano 46′), Lacroix, Konate (Digne 46′), Gusto (Kounde 90′), Rabiot, Zaire-Emery, Doue (Barcola 46′), Cherki (Dembele 46′), Olise, Mbappe

Subs: Samba, Risser, Hernandez, Saliba, Tchouameni, Kone, Kante, Mateta, Akliouche, Thuram

England 6-4 France

England signed off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in unforgettable fashion, claiming the bronze medal with a breathtaking 6-4 victory over France in one of the most extraordinary third-place play-offs the competition has ever witnessed. Played in Miami, Thomas Tuchel’s side looked determined to end the tournament on a high after their heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina, and they exploded into life with a devastating first-half display. Declan Rice opened the scoring before Ezri Konsa doubled England’s advantage, while Bukayo Saka struck twice to send the Three Lions into the interval with a scarcely believable 4-0 lead. England’s attacking football was fast, clinical and relentless, leaving Didier Deschamps’ France shell-shocked during what proved to be the final match of his 14-year spell in charge.

France, however, refused to surrender and produced a stunning response after the restart. Inspired by captain Kylian Mbappé, Les Bleus roared back into contention with three goals in little over 20 minutes. Mbappé scored twice, while Bradley Barcola also found the net as England’s commanding advantage suddenly shrank to a single goal at 4-3. With momentum firmly swinging France’s way, England found themselves under intense pressure as the match threatened to become one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history. The contest had transformed from a one-sided affair into a thrilling end-to-end spectacle, with both sides creating chances in a breathless second half.

Just when France appeared capable of forcing an equaliser, England regained their composure. Saka completed a magnificent hat-trick from the penalty spot in the closing stages after England were awarded a spot-kick, becoming the standout performer on the night. Although Ousmane Dembélé pulled another goal back for France to make it 5-4, England had the final word deep into stoppage time. Jude Bellingham, who enjoyed an outstanding tournament throughout, capped another influential display by racing through to score England’s sixth, sealing a remarkable 6-4 victory and ensuring the Three Lions secured their highest World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.

While the match may officially have been a third-place play-off, it will long be remembered as one of the games of the tournament. England displayed both exhilarating attacking quality and worrying defensive vulnerability, but their resilience to withstand France’s remarkable fightback ultimately highlighted the progress made under Tuchel. Saka’s hat-trick rightly earned the headlines, with Rice, Konsa and Bellingham also on the scoresheet, while Mbappé’s double ensured France never stopped believing. In a contest featuring ten goals, dramatic momentum swings and countless moments of quality, England ended their World Cup journey with smiles, bronze medals and a performance that supporters will remember for many years to come.

Talking Points

Before we get into the action, it has to first be mentioned how pointless the World Cup 3rd place playoff actually is. With both teams facing heartbreak mid-week, to extend their torment to Saturday when footballers are being squeezed at every point in their ability to play at the top level by the execs at the top of the sport, it feels a pointless exercise where no real reward can be found as a third place is very unlikely to be remembered or celebrated in any way for either nation who both had dreams of going all the way.

However, the on-field chaos felt like Soccer Aid with superstars. 10 goals scored, England beating arguably the best performing side at the whole tournament 4-0 at half-time when they struggled to see out a lead against Argentina days prior, France’s comeback spearheaded by Olise and Mbappe who have been terrific throughout, Saka’s hat-trick raising more questions over his lack of involvement on Wednesday against Argentina, and then the hugs and chats afterwards between two sets of players who knew this game meant very little, but still put on a show.

Finally, looking ahead for both nations it will be a time of reflection and a chance to reset. England have to make their commitment to Tuchel for the Euros and beyond or make a change, and a decision will likely be found in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, they will need to consider a future without potentially some of the older heads in the squad with Kane, Stones, Pickford among others unlikely to feature in the next World Cup. Meanwhile France know they’re entering into a period to reset as Deschamps retires and paves the way for the inevitable Zidane appointment. While France looked scary at points in this tournament, adding Zidane’s consistent ability to win into the mix makes them a huge threat for the next 4 years.