England outlasts France in thrilling World Cup Bronze Final

 

England's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring their fifth goal to complete a hat-trick with Jude Bellingham and Reece James during Saturday's World Cup third place match.

Paul Childs/Reuters

The third place match at the 2026 World Cup appeared to be a blowout, but the tide turned in the second half, leading to a thrilling 6-4 win for England over France on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida.

With manager Didier Deschamps admitting before the game the French didn’t want to play, Les Bleus still trotted out some of their big hitters including Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Mike Maignan, while England sat regular starters Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford.

Despite the apparent lineup advantage, France found themselves in an early hole and the Three Lions continued to roar past the French as the first half went on.

England captain Declan Rice got the scoring started right out of the gate, launching a screamer from the top of the box past Maignan in just the third minute of the match.

It wasn’t long until defender Ezri Konsa headed in Rice’s corner to extend England’s lead to 2-0 in the 18th minute.

England fans celebrate during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England at Miami Stadium on July 18, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Jared C. Tilton/FIFA/Getty Images

As halftime approached and France looking stunned by the English offensive onslaught, forward Bukayo Saka scored two goals within 10 minutes to officially turn the match into something no one thought would happen – an English blowout.

Or, that was, until halftime.

France made a quadruple sub to start the second half, bringing on reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé along with Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano and Bradley Barcola to give a boost.

Just three minutes into the half, Mbappé scored his ninth goal of the tournament to overtake Argentina’s Lionel Messi for the lead in the 2026 Golden Boot race.