England have achieved their best World Cup finish since 1966 after a remarkable 6-4 victory over France in the bronze medal match in Miami. The win, sealed in a 10-goal thriller, marks the first time the Three Lions have claimed third place at a men's World Cup, surpassing their fourth-place finishes in 1990 and 2018. Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the team had «done us proud», reflecting the national pride in the achievement.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with England racing into a 4-0 lead at half-time. Goals from stand-in captain Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, and two from Bukayo Saka put Thomas Tuchel's side in a commanding position. However, France, led by Kylian Mbappé in what was Didier Deschamps' final match as head coach after 14 years, mounted a fierce comeback. Mbappé scored twice, including a penalty, and Bradley Barcola added another, reducing the deficit to just one goal. Saka completed his hat-trick in the second half to secure the win, with England holding on for a historic result.
Thomas Tuchel praised his players for their «very special» effort, acknowledging the emotional toll of the match. «This will help, but you never fully celebrate bronze,» he said, highlighting the team's ambition while recognising the significance of the achievement. The victory was particularly sweet for Saka, who became the first England player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match since Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final. His performance was a standout in a tournament where England had fallen short in the semi-finals, losing to Spain.
Kylian Mbappé, meanwhile, took his tally at the tournament to 10 goals, becoming the first male player to reach double figures at a World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970. He also surpassed Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup goals record, with 22 goals across two tournaments. Mbappé's efforts were not enough to secure a medal for France, but his individual brilliance was a highlight of the match. The Argentina forward Lionel Messi will have a chance to reclaim the record in Sunday's final against Spain.
The match was played in front of a packed stadium in Miami, with David Beckham among the spectators. The result marks a significant milestone for English football, providing a platform for future success under Tuchel. The team will now look ahead to the next major tournament, with the bronze medal serving as a testament to their progress. For France, the defeat ends an era under Deschamps, who leaves a legacy of success including the 2018 World Cup title and the 2021 Nations League trophy.
The victory has been widely celebrated in England, with fans and politicians alike praising the team's resilience. Starmer's comments echoed the sentiment of many, as the nation savoured a rare moment of World Cup glory. The bronze medal may not be the gold that England craves, but it represents a step forward for a team that has consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments. As Tuchel noted, the experience will be valuable for the squad's development.
