England beats France 6-4 in World Cup's best match for third place

England secured a remarkable third-place finish in the World Cup by defeating France 6-4 in what was widely hailed as the tournament's most exciting match. The game, played in Miami, was a goal-fest, setting a new record with 10 goals and featuring 38 shots. This victory marked England's best World Cup performance since 1966.

Despite the high stakes of the World Cup final, this third-place playoff delivered an electrifying spectacle. Both teams played with an attacking freedom, contributing to the unprecedented goal count. The match's intensity was so high that the referee, Jesús Valenzuela, required medical attention during play. France's Michael Olise emerged as the tournament's top assist provider with seven, surpassing Pelé's record from the 1970 World Cup.

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We should have given you a better ending, but we didn't manage it.

England took an early lead with a spectacular goal from Declan Rice in the second minute, followed by a powerful header from Ezri Konsa to make it 2-0. Kylian Mbappé, who scored a hat-trick in the match, later paid a heartfelt tribute to French coach Didier Deschamps on social media. Mbappé acknowledged Deschamps' significant contribution over 14 years, expressing regret that they couldn't provide him with a better send-off in his final match as coach.

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It is very difficult to put into words what you have brought over 14 years. You have been a fundamental player in the renewal of this team. People did not always know how to appreciate your greatness, but time and history will take care of it.