Key Takeaways
- England defeated France 6-4 to secure third place at the World Cup 2026.
- Jude Bellingham's late goal sealed England’s victory, ending a French comeback attempt.
- The match was Deschamps' final as France manager.
England secured their best result in 60 years by defeating France 6-4 in the third-place playoff of the World Cup 2026. The dramatic victory, which took place on Saturday in Miami, saw Jude Bellingham's late goal prove decisive as England withstood a strong French second-half fightback.
The match was Deschamps' final game as France manager, marking an emotional conclusion to his tenure. Despite the high stakes and significant history between the teams, England’s attacking prowess proved too much for their opponents in stoppage time, ensuring they would not share the same stage with Argentina and Spain in the upcoming final.
England's victory was built on a strong performance from their midfielders and forwards, who capitalized on several opportunities to score. Kylian Mbappé, despite his efforts, could not match England’s attacking force as Jude Bellingham’s late goal secured the win for the Three Lions.
France, led by Deschamps, put up a valiant fight in the second half but were unable to overcome their opponents' resilience and clinical finishing. The French team showed determination and skill throughout the match, particularly during their comeback attempt, which saw them reduce the deficit to 3-4 before Bellingham's decisive strike.
The result means that England will return home with a sense of achievement after a successful tournament, while France’s fans will be reflecting on this as Deschamps’ last game in charge. The French manager has been at the helm since 2012 and leaves behind a legacy marked by numerous successes including two World Cup victories.
The countdown to the final between Argentina and Spain continues, with New York still grappling with forest fire smoke from Canada. However, for England, this match was about securing their best result in decades and bidding farewell to Deschamps as he steps down after 14 years at the helm of the national team.
