A chaotic World Cup third-place playoff saw England edge France 6-4 in Miami, delivering a match defined by stunning comebacks, a historic scoring record, and two teams grappling with semi-final heartbreak. The contest, played in oppressive heat, featured 10 goals, a hat-trick for Bukayo Saka, and Kylian Mbappe becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. Main Developments Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice opened the scoring in the third minute with a strike from distance, and Ezri Konsa quickly headed home to make it 2-0. England's second-choice goalkeeper Dean Henderson made several key saves to keep France at bay. Bukayo Saka extended the lead to 3-0 after a swift counter-attack, then scored again in first-half stoppage time to make it 4-0, prompting a fist pump from England boss Thomas Tuchel. France coach Didier Deschamps called the first-half display “catastrophic” on French TV channel M6, urging his players to show pride. Read also: Wildfire Smoke From Canada Chokes Eastern US Ahead of World Cup Final Deschamps made four changes at halftime, bringing on Ousmane Dembele, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne, and Bradley Barcola. The impact was immediate: Mbappe scored his ninth goal of the tournament, then Bradley Barcola pulled another back for France. Mbappe netted his second of the game from Michael Olise's pass, becoming the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 22 goals. France squandered several chances to equalise, and England were awarded a penalty when Malo Gusto fouled Djed Spence. Saka converted to complete his hat-trick. Dembele grabbed a fourth for France, but Jude Bellingham then scored the 10th goal of the match with an individual effort, becoming the first England player to score seven goals at a single World Cup. Background Both teams entered the match after painful semi-final defeats. France were outplayed 2-0 by Spain, while England suffered a late collapse against defending champions Argentina. England boss Thomas Tuchel left out Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham from his starting lineup, while Deschamps, stepping down after 14 years as France coach, omitted Barcola and Dembele. Deschamps led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and finished as runners-up in 2022. France were considered favourites after a sensational start to the 2026 tournament but could not overcome Spain in the semis. Why It Matters By finishing third, England secured their best World Cup result since winning the tournament in 1966. The bronze medal provides a measure of redemption after their semi-final collapse, though bitter memories of that defeat remain. For France, the match marked the end of the Deschamps era and a disappointing end to a tournament that began with high expectations. Mbappe's record-breaking 22nd World Cup goal puts him two ahead of Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, cementing his status as the tournament's all-time leading scorer. His nine goals in the 2026 tournament also lead the Golden Boot standings. What's Next Three-time champions Argentina face European champions Spain in the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday. France will begin a new era without Deschamps, who steps down after 14 years. England, meanwhile, will look to build on their bronze-medal performance as they prepare for future international competitions.