England Secures Bronze with 6-4 Victory Over France
England claimed the 2026 FIFA World Cup bronze medal after a dramatic 6-4 win against France in the third-place play-off held in Miami. The match ended Didier Deschamps’ 14-year reign as Les Bleus manager.
Early England Dominance
Despite missing Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham from the starting XI, Thomas Tuchel’s side began strongly. In the third minute, stand‑in captain Declan Rice intercepted a loose pass from Désiré Doué and drilled a precise shot into the far corner from outside the box.
England doubled their lead in the 18th minute when Ezri Konsa powered home a corner from Rice. Shortly after, Bukayo Saka added a third goal following a swift counter‑attack initiated by Marcus Rashford, with the Arsenal winger finishing after an initial denial.
Before halftime, Eberechi Eze released Saka through on goal, and the winger calmly slotted past Mike Maignan to make it 4‑0, completing a remarkable first half for the Three Lions.
French Fightback
After the break, Deschamps made four substitutions, sparking a French resurgence. Kylian Mbappe pulled one back in the 48th minute after being picked out by Michael Olise, moving clear in the race for the Golden Boot.
Six minutes later, Mbappe turned provider, setting up substitute Bradley Barcola to reduce the deficit further. He then scored again in the 66th minute from another Olise assist, taking his World Cup tally to 22 goals in 22 appearances and surpassing Lionel Messi’s record.
England Restores Control
England steadied themselves and regained a two‑goal cushion late in the game. Djed Spence won a penalty after being brought down by Malo Gusto, and Saka converted from the spot in the 87th minute to complete his hat‑trick.
Ousmane Dembele made it 5‑4 deep into stoppage time, but the Three Lions had the final say. Jude Bellingham, introduced in the second half, broke clear to score England’s sixth goal in the 98th minute, sealing victory and marking England’s best World Cup finish since winning the trophy in 1966.
About the Author
