England claimed third place at the World Cup for the first time after a dramatic 6-4 victory over France in the playoff match in Miami. Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick, including a late penalty, while Jude Bellingham added his seventh goal of the tournament. The win came despite a second-half fightback led by Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice to become the first male player to reach double figures at a World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970.
Thomas Tuchel, who had been booed before kick-off following England's semi-final defeat to Argentina, made seven changes to his starting lineup. Declan Rice, named captain in place of Harry Kane, opened the scoring in the third minute after seizing on a loose pass from Désiré Doué. Ezri Konsa headed in a corner from Rice to double the lead, and Saka added two more before half-time, the second set up by Eberechi Eze.
France, playing their last match under manager Didier Deschamps, responded after the break with four changes. Mbappé pulled one back within three minutes, finishing a through ball from Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola soon made it 3-2. Mbappé then scored his second after a strike from Barcola, levelling the match. Saka restored England's lead from the penalty spot, and Bellingham sealed the win after coming off the bench.
Mbappé, who is chasing a second successive Golden Boot, had extra motivation to send Deschamps off with a victory. The Real Madrid star posted a message thanking his coach before the match, calling it 'your last dance'. However, Deschamps' 14-year tenure ended in defeat, while Tuchel will now look ahead to leading England into Euro 2028 on home soil.
The match was played under leaden skies in Miami, reflecting the mood of both teams after semi-final exits. England's players received a warm reception as they collected their bronze medals, with the crowd showing appreciation for their efforts over the past five weeks. Notable absences from the England squad included Kobbie Mainoo, who was said to be injured, and Jordan Henderson, who was on the bench despite a broken arm.
