A dramatic conclusion in Miami
The final third‑place match of the tournament unfolded under the bright lights of Miami, drawing a crowd eager to witness a contest that rarely garners the spotlight. Both coaches opted for reshuffled line‑ups, with France fielding a second‑string defensive unit after a bruising group stage, while England looked to build on a resilient campaign.
England struck first, imposing their rhythm early and racing to a four‑goal lead that seemed to signal a comfortable victory. The French side, however, refused to surrender, clawing back with a flurry of attacks that kept the English defence on edge.
Bukayo Saka emerged as the match’s standout performer, completing a hat‑trick that underscored his growing influence on the world stage. His third goal arrived just before the interval, shifting momentum decisively toward the English side.
Jude Bellingham added the decisive blow late in the second half, finishing a swift counter‑attack that sealed a 6‑4 result. The goal not only capped England’s comeback but also marked a memorable finish to a tournament that has already rewritten several records.
Kylian Mbappe’s two goals contributed to a historic milestone: the French forward now stands as the all‑time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 career goals. His performance added another chapter to a career defined by relentless scoring prowess.
The match concluded with both benches celebrating, while attention already turns to the upcoming final between Argentina and Spain, a clash that will see Lionel Messi chase yet another personal milestone. England’s third‑place finish represents their strongest World Cup showing since their 1966 triumph, a testament to a campaign built on resilience and attacking flair.