On Saturday, England clinched third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 6-4 victory against France at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Three Lions struck early, taking the lead in the third minute when Désiré Doué misplaced a pass, allowing Declan Rice to seize it and unleash a stunning shot into the far corner. England expanded their lead before halftime, with Rice assisting Ezri Konsa, who headed in the second goal from a corner. The attacking prowess continued as Bukayo Saka scored twice, leading England to an impressive 4-0 advantage in what was their most potent offensive display of the tournament.
In his 187th and final match as manager, Didier Deschamps made four substitutions at halftime that transformed the game’s dynamics. Kylian Mbappé pulled one back for France, scoring after receiving a pass from Michael Olise, before assisting Bradley Barcola for France’s second goal. Mbappé continued to dazzle, scoring again to narrow the gap to 4-3 just before a hydration break.
Olise missed a golden opportunity to equalize when he shot wide from close range, but when Malo Gusto fouled Djed Spence in the box, Saka converted the penalty, restoring England’s two-goal lead. France’s late hope came from a stoppage-time goal by Ousmane Dembélé, but Jude Bellingham capped off the match with an individual goal that secured the victory for England.
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ENGLAND
Manager rating (out of 10)
Thomas Tuchel 6 — The England manager gave chances to players with limited minutes throughout the tournament, concluding the competition with a promising attacking performance.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)
GK Dean Henderson 7 — Henderson made crucial saves, though his defense faltered in the second half.
DF Djed Spence 7 — Quick to respond to threats, Spence pressured France’s attackers effectively and won a late penalty.
DF Marc Guéhi 5 — While he cleared a potential goal from Mbappé, he struggled against France’s attackers in the second half.
DF Jarell Quansah 5 — Quansah lost track of Barcola, leading to France’s second goal, before being substituted due to injury.
DF Ezri Konsa 6 — Konsa opened the scoring for England with a well-timed header from a corner.
MF Declan Rice 9 — Rice’s interception led to England’s opening goal, and he was also integral in the second goal, showcasing a captain’s performance.
MF Eberechi Eze 7 — Eze’s clever turn set up Saka for the fourth goal just before halftime.
MF Morgan Rogers 6 — Rogers worked hard in midfield, contributing positively to counterattacks while helping to maintain team shape.
LW Marcus Rashford 7 — Rashford produced a moment of magic before assisting Saka, demonstrating his creativity and ability to hold up play.
ST Ivan Toney 6 — Toney effectively made runs and held up play, although he missed a clear chance set up by Eze.
RW Bukayo Saka 9 — Saka was crucial, scoring three goals including one from the penalty spot to clinch a hat trick.
Substitutes (players introduced after second half of extra time = no rating)
LW Ollie Watkins (Rashford, 45′) 6 — Watkins showed promise but fell short in the final third during his debut from a new position.
MF Jude Bellingham (Eze, 79′) N/R — Bellingham nearly scored upon entering, later netting a decisive goal to wrap up England’s victory.
MF Elliot Anderson (Toney, 79′) N/R — He came on in the 79th minute to shore up the midfield.
DF Reece James (Quansah, 83′) N/R — James was substituted on to cover for Quansah’s injury.
DF Trevoh Chalobah (Guéhi, 90+3′) N/R — Chalobah made a late appearance as the match drew to a close.
FRANCE
Manager rating (out of 10)
Didier Deschamps 6 — Deschamps saw more from his team after executing four changes at halftime, but it couldn’t save them from defeat.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)
GK Mike Maignan 4 — Maignan had a forgettable first half, conceding four goals before making a few saves post-intermission.
DF Theo Hernández 4 — Hernández struggled defensively, often failing to contain Saka, leading to his substitution.
DF Maxence Lacroix 4 — Lacroix made a critical block early but was later overpowered during crucial moments, contributing to the goals conceded.
DF Ibrahima Konaté 5 — Konaté lacked his usual energy and couldn’t facilitate ball progression effectively, leading to his substitution.
DF Malo Gusto 4 — Gusto aimed to advance play but was unable to cut out England’s dominant attacking plays, ending with a penalty conceded.
MF Adrien Rabiot 5 — Rabiot struggled defensively, ultimately allowing England to capitalize on a set piece.
MF Warren Zaïre-Emery 4 — While Zaïre-Emery displayed some good offensive skills, his defensive contributions were lacking, particularly allowing Eze to slip by him.
LW Désiré Doué 3 — Doué’s unfortunate pass led directly to England’s first goal, resulting in his substitution at halftime.
CAM Rayan Cherki 4 — Cherki was unable to capitalize on his starting opportunity, failing to convert promising chances.
RW Michael Olise 7 — Although quiet initially, Olise made significant contributions in the second half with assists for two goals, though he missed a major opportunity to equalize.
ST Kylian Mbappé 9 — Mbappé exploded on the scene, scoring twice and assisting another goal, becoming the first player since Eusebio in 1966 to score more than eight goals in a single World Cup.
Substitutes (players introduced after second half of extra time = no rating)
DF Lucas Digne (Hernández, 45′) 6 — Digne solidified France’s left side and contributed offensively.
DF Dayot Upamecano (Konaté, 45′) 6 — Upamecano stabilized France’s defense upon entering and attempted a long-range shot.
RW Ousmane Dembélé (Cherki, 45′) 7 — Dembélé’s intelligent movement resulted in a late goal, but he also set up several promising plays that lacked completion.
LW Bradley Barcola (Doué, 45′) 7 — Barcola’s perfect timing earned him a goal, showcasing his striking ability.
DF Jules Koundé (Gusto, 90′) N/R — Koundé made a brief appearance as the game wound down.