2026 FWC Day 37: England Secure 3rd Place with Thrilling 6-4 Victory over France

England claimed third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating France 6-4 in one of the most dramatic matches in tournament history at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday. 

The match produced an astonishing 10 goals, with England racing into a commanding 4-0 first-half lead before surviving a spirited French comeback to secure their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966. 

Declan Rice opened the scoring just three minutes into the match with a superb curling effort before Ezri Konsa doubled the lead in the 18th minute. Bukayo Saka then struck twice before halftime to give the Three Lions complete control. 

France responded strongly after the break as Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Bradley Barcola added another to reduce the deficit to 4-3. Mbappe's brace also saw him become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 22 goals, surpassing Argentina captain Lionel Messi's 21.

With the momentum shifting toward France, England regained control when Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute, becoming only the fourth England player to score a World Cup hat-trick after Geoff Hurst, Gary Lineker and Harry Kane.

France pulled another goal back through Ousmane Dembele deep into stoppage time, but substitute Jude Bellingham sealed England's memorable victory with a brilliant solo goal to complete the 6-4 scoreline.

The thrilling encounter showcased England's attacking quality after their heartbreaking semifinal defeat to Argentina. Thomas Tuchel's side adopted a far more aggressive approach from the opening whistle, overwhelming France with quick attacking transitions and direct play.

Despite allowing France back into the contest after halftime, England responded when it mattered most, with substitutes helping stabilize the team before Saka's penalty and Bellingham's late strike ensured victory in one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament.

France, meanwhile, finish fourth after falling short in Didier Deschamps' final match in charge of Les Bleus, ending a remarkable managerial era with a memorable but disappointing defeat.