England survive France fightback to secure third place in Miami goalfest

England secured third place in the World Cup with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in Miami, marking their best finish since their 1966 title triumph. The match was a goal-fest, with defending taking a backseat as both teams attacked relentlessly.

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England's Jude Bellingham scores their sixth goal.

England established a commanding 4-0 lead early on, with Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa scoring, and Bukayo Saka adding two goals before halftime. However, France, in what was likely coach Didier Deschamps' final match, staged a remarkable comeback in the second half. Kylian Mbappe netted twice, bringing his tournament tally to 10 goals and surpassing Lionel Messi as the all-time World Cup leading scorer with 22 goals. France narrowed the deficit to 4-3 with a goal from Bradley Barcola, creating a tense finish.

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The 39-year-old Messi will have one more chance ​to ⁠bump up his own tallies on Sunday when Argentina take on Spain in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Despite France's resurgence, England managed to extend their lead. Saka converted a penalty three minutes from time, and substitute Jude Bellingham sealed the victory with his seventh goal of the tournament in stoppage time. The 10 goals scored in the match set a new record for a third-place playoff. France, who had a second-string defense in this match, were unable to overcome England's early advantage and strong attacking play, even with key players like Bellingham and Harry Kane starting on the bench for England.

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Perhaps stung by criticism of England's passivity in the latter stages of their semi-final loss to Argentina, Thomas Tuchel's side attacked from kickoff with Rice charging forward to ⁠lash home the opening score as early as the third minute.