England beat France to secure historic World Cup bronze in a 10-Goal thriller

England ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a high by defeating France 6-4 in a breathtaking third-place play-off, securing their first World Cup medal since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1966.

The Three Lions made a blistering start and took the lead after just three minutes when Declan Rice found the back of the net. Defender Ezri Konsa doubled England’s advantage in the 19th minute before Bukayo Saka struck twice in quick succession, including a goal deep into first-half stoppage time, to give England a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.

France emerged from the interval with renewed determination. Captain Kylian Mbappé pulled one back three minutes into the second half before Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit further in the 54th minute. Mbappé completed his brace in the 66th minute, cutting England’s lead to a single goal and setting up a tense finish.

Just as France looked capable of completing a remarkable comeback, Bukayo Saka calmly converted a penalty in the 87th minute to restore England’s two-goal cushion and complete his hat-trick.

France refused to surrender, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring in stoppage time to make it 5-4 and raise hopes of an unlikely equaliser. However, England had the final say when Jude Bellingham struck in the 98th minute to seal a memorable 6-4 victory.

Saka was the standout performer with a superb hat-trick, while Rice, Konsa and Bellingham also got on the scoresheet in one of the highest-scoring matches of the tournament.

The victory sees England finish third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the nation’s first World Cup podium finish in 60 years and ending a long wait for global tournament silverware since their historic triumph in 1966.

For France, the defeat brought a dramatic end to an entertaining contest despite spirited efforts from Mbappé, who scored twice, alongside goals from Barcola and Dembélé.

Jamaldeen Wiayuka

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