England survives French comeback to claim bronze in World Cup final

Lightning start puts England on the board Just three minutes after kickoff Declan Rice capitalised on a French mistake and opened the scoring: 0‑1. The high tempo of the Three Lions left France with no answer, and after eighteen minutes Ezri Konsa doubled the lead with a header from a corner: 0‑2. Saka gives a showcase before the break After just over half an hour England stretched the lead further. Marcus Rashford forced keeper Mike Maignan into a save, but Bukayo Saka was in the right spot to tap in the rebound: 0‑3. In first‑half stoppage time Saka again took advantage of a lax French defence and netted the fourth: 0‑4. England went into the break with an apparently comfortable lead. France refuses to give up After the break Didier Deschamps brought on Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Dayot Upamecano. Three minutes after the restart Kylian Mbappé, after a cross from Michael Olise, made it 1‑4. Not even six minutes later Barcola added the second French goal: 2‑4. The French side began to wobble, but Mbappé kept the pressure alive.

One more all‑out effort: England and France battle for bronze

Mbappé restores the tension Mid‑way through the second half Michael Olise linked up with Mbappé, who then scored his second of the night: 3‑4. With that tenth World Cup goal France were back to one behind England, turning the match into a nail‑biting thriller. Saka decides from the spot After a foul by Malo Gusto on Djed Spence the referee pointed unflinchingly to the spot. Bukayo Saka stayed ice‑cold, blasted the ball into the far corner of keeper Maignan and made it 3‑5. With his third of the night Saka completed an impressive hat‑trick. Spectacular finish In the sixth minute of added time Ousmane Dembélé curled the 4‑5 past Henderson. Two minutes later substitute Jude Bellingham came on and struck the decisive sixth: 4‑6. With that England sealed the French hope for a point. England finishes with bronze The consolation final produced one of the tournament’s most spectacular games. Bukayo Saka, with his hat‑trick, was the standout, while Kylian Mbappé’s two goals underlined his exceptional class. England left the World Cup with a bronze medal, whereas France, despite the impressive comeback, walked away disappointed in Didier Deschamps’ final match as head coach.