England ended their World Cup campaign with a farcical 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off, a match that saw the Three Lions almost throw away a 4-0 lead. The game, played in Miami, was largely dismissed as meaningless before kick-off, but it turned into a chaotic spectacle that left fans both entertained and furious at manager Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel's Controversial Lineup
Tuchel made significant changes to his starting XI, benching both Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. This decision effectively ended their chances of overtaking Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, as they were trailing by two goals. The move was met with boos from England fans before kick-off, who were still angry at the team's gutless collapse against Argentina in the semi-finals.
Despite the criticism, England came out firing. Declan Rice opened the scoring before setting up Ezri Konsa from a corner. A late brace from Bukayo Saka at the end of the first half gave England an astonishing 4-0 lead at the break.
Emotional Half-Time and French Fightback
At half-time, assistant manager Anthony Barry fought back tears in an emotional interview, expressing his pride in the players. However, the mood quickly soured as France made four substitutions and scored three minutes into the second half through Mbappe. Bradley Barcola made it 4-2 six minutes later.
England's lead looked increasingly fragile as Mbappe scored again in the 66th minute to make it 4-3. The camera panned to Tuchel scratching his neck in apparent distress, while Barry's earlier tears had dried. France pressed for an equaliser, with the game resembling a chaotic Soccer Aid match but with the quality of a Champions League final.
Late Drama and Saka's Hat-Trick
Just as France closed in on a fourth goal, England countered, but Bellingham wasted a chance to extend the lead. France raced forward again, but Michael Olise missed from 12 yards. That proved to be France's final chance, as Saka completed his hat-trick after Djed Spence won a penalty, having been brought down by Malo Gusto.
Tuchel's decision not to use Saka against Argentina now looks even more questionable, as the Arsenal star demonstrated his fitness and quality. With one minute left, Ousmane Dembele scored a ninth goal of the game, but it was merely a consolation as Bellingham rounded defenders and smashed home from six yards to seal the 6-4 win.
A Game of Two Halves
The match finished with 10 goals, yet it felt like it could have been more given the number of chances created by both sides. England's third-place finish is their best at a World Cup since 1966, but the manner of the victory, with Tuchel's decisions under fire, leaves a mixed legacy.
