France vs. England: The most entertaining game nobody wanted to play

The Football World Cup's third-place playoff between England and France, often viewed as an unwanted fixture by players and coaches, transformed into a record-breaking 6-4 spectacle. While typically a match skipped in tournaments like the European Championship, both England and France, recovering from their semi-final defeats, could have easily preferred an early holiday.

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Yes, the most unimportant game of the tournament was not the best, but the most entertaining.

However, the ninety minutes that unfolded in sweltering Miami proved that skipping this match would have been a significant loss for entertainment. The game evolved into a friendly contest that shattered numerous records, much to the chagrin of those who value serious defensive play.

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At a European Championship, for example, you skip the third-place game.

England's players, including Jude Bellingham and Reece James, were seen celebrating Bukayo Saka's third goal against France. The final scoreline of 4-6, with a 0-4 deficit at halftime for France, highlighted a match that, while perhaps not the best in terms of tactical discipline, was undeniably the most entertaining of the tournament. It offered a stark contrast to the expected low-key affair, providing a memorable conclusion for fans of high-octane football.

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And players, coaches, and staff from England and France would have preferred to start their vacation after their semi-final defeats and two months of being together, rather than playing another round in the sweltering Miami.