England have secured their strongest finish in the World Cup since 1966 – beating France in the third place play-off with a 6-4 victory.
Declan Rice secured an early lead for the Three Lions, scoring after the third minute, and assisted a goal for Ezri Konsa at 18′.
Bukayo Saka followed up with England’s third goal at 37′, scoring for a second time at 45’+1, putting Thomas Tuchel’s side in a strong position before the half-time whistle.
England players celebrate after the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between France and England in Miami Garden. Credit: AP
Kylian Mbappé, who is vying for the Golden Boot, scored France’s first goal of the match in Miami at 48′, followed by Bradley Barcola at 54′.
Mbappé secured France’s third goal at 66′, putting England’s lead under threat.
Saka scored his third goal of the match at 87′ after a penalty was awarded, but France fought back again, bringing the score to 5-4 with a goal by Dayot Upamecano at 90’+6.
France’s Kylian Mbappe scoring his side’s first goal. Credit: AP
Just when it all appeared to be over England snuck in one last point, with a goal by Jude Bellingham, subbed in on the second half, bringing the final score to 6-4 at 90’+8.
It is the first time the Three Lions have won a third place play-off, somewhat parking their semi-final agony following Wednesday’s bruising defeat to Argentina.
England had lost their two previous third-place play-offs in 1990 against hosts Italy, and in 2018 to Belgium in Russia.
Sir Keir Starmer praised the England team for their performance on Saturday night
Manager Thomas Tuchel nodded to this when facing a particularly pointed question on the eve of the bronze medal game, suggesting that, despite Wednesday’s 2-1 semi-final defeat, England still have a chance to do something special.
Asked if it was fair that some of his decisions in the defeat to Argentina were described as cowardly, he said: “Not at all. I don’t receive them.
France goalkeeper Mike Maignan defends the goal against England’s Ollie Watkins. Credit: AP
“I don’t read praise and I don’t believe in praise and I don’t believe in comments like this. If we win the game tomorrow, we have the best result of a World Cup in 60 years. That’s the perspective to it.”
Tuchel has faced intense scrutiny over the decisions he made during England’s face-off with Argentina.
Even Donald Trump weighed in on the debate, questioning the German coach’s “unusual” defensive use of Kane, who revealed last week that he had played a round of golf with the US President around 18 months ago in Florida.
“You have a great player in England, who I played golf with,” Trump said in a press conference. “You know that, right? He is Harry, who’s been fantastic.
“I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player. What do I know about soccer? They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him on defence.”
Gianni Infantino laughed alongside Trump, with the FIFA president shrugging and then applauding his remarks.
“Look, what do I know about coaching? But that was a little unusual, but Harry is a great guy, actually.”
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