World Cup 2026: France escape humiliation but fall to England in Deschamps' final match

England secured the third-place medal at the World Cup 2026 after a thrilling encounter with France in Miami on Saturday, triumphing 6-4 in a rollercoaster contest. The Three Lions dominated the opening stages with Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa striking early before Bukayo Saka's two goals extended their lead to 4-0, leaving France seemingly out of contention.

Kylian Mbappé's brace and Bradley Barcola's goal sparked an extraordinary comeback that brought them level at 3-4. Saka's penalty appeared to have ended France's hopes at 5-3, but the Bleus refused to surrender. Ousmane Dembélé pulled one back to make it 4-5 before Jude Bellingham delivered the decisive blow with a stunning individual effort and precise finish into the bottom right corner in the 90+8th minute, sealing England's 6-4 triumph.

Didier Deschamps' final match as France manager will be remembered for the dramatic swings in momentum. While Mbappé continued his Golden Boot pursuit with two crucial goals, it proved insufficient against England's relentless attacking arsenal. 

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)