England achieved a historic third-place finish at the World Cup with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France, as Thomas Tuchel reflected on England's World Cup bronze medal and the team's remarkable performance. The match saw England race to a 4-0 halftime lead, only to withstand a fierce French comeback before securing the win.
England's Dominant First Half
Declan Rice, serving as stand-in captain, opened the scoring for England in the early minutes. Ezri Konsa and Bukayo Saka added two more goals, with Saka netting a brace before the break. The first-half display was described by Tuchel as "something very special" and showcased England's attacking prowess.
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France's Second-Half Fightback
Didier Deschamps, in his final match as France manager after 14 years, made tactical changes at halftime. Kylian Mbappé led the charge, scoring his 10th goal of the tournament and surpassing Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup record with 22 goals. France pulled within one goal, setting up a tense finale.
| Player | Goals Scored | Tournament Total |
|---|---|---|
| Bukayo Saka | 3 (hat-trick) | 7 |
| Declan Rice | 1 | 3 |
| Ezri Konsa | 1 | 2 |
| Jude Bellingham | 1 | 7 |
| Kylian Mbappé (France) | 2 | 10 |
Key Takeaways from the Match
- England's first World Cup medal on foreign soil in 60 years, a historic achievement.
- Bukayo Saka's hat-trick and Jude Bellingham's seventh goal of the tournament set records for England.
- Kylian Mbappé surpassed Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup goal record with 22 goals.
- Thomas Tuchel challenged the team to keep improving ahead of the Nations League match against Spain.
Tuchel's Post-Match Reflections
Tuchel acknowledged the pain of missing the final but urged his players to be proud of their bronze medal. "This game will help us for sure – even if you can never fully celebrate a bronze medal," he said. "It's the first medal for 60 years, first on foreign soil. I hope the players can be proud."
Looking Ahead: Nations League and Beyond
England will face Spain in the Nations League on September 26 at Wembley. Tuchel emphasized the need to close the gap with top nations, starting with that fixture. The team's performance against France demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level.
FAQ
What was the final score of the England vs France World Cup third-place match?
England won 6-4 against France in a thrilling match to secure third place at the World Cup.
Who scored for England in the match?
Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, Bukayo Saka (hat-trick), and Jude Bellingham scored for England.
What record did Kylian Mbappé break during the match?
Kylian Mbappé surpassed Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup goal record, reaching 22 goals.