{"id":17721,"date":"2026-07-20T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/?p=17721"},"modified":"2026-07-20T09:46:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T06:46:37","slug":"england-defeat-france-6-4-to-secure-historic-world-cup-third-place","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/sports-betting-news\/england-defeat-france-6-4-to-secure-historic-world-cup-third-place\/","title":{"rendered":"England Defeat France 6-4 to Secure Historic World Cup Third Place"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

England ended their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on a high by defeating France 6-4 in one of the most entertaining third-place play-off matches in World Cup history. Played in Miami, the thrilling encounter delivered 10 goals, individual brilliance, record-breaking moments, and a historic achievement for the Three Lions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Thomas Tuchel’s side, the victory marked England’s first-ever win in a FIFA World Cup third-place playoff, while France’s defeat brought Didier Deschamps’ remarkable 14-year reign as head coach to an emotional close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England Starts Like Champions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite missing key stars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham from the starting lineup, England looked fearless from the opening whistle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just three minutes into the contest, stand-in captain Declan Rice<\/strong> intercepted a loose pass from D\u00e9sir\u00e9 Dou\u00e9 before driving forward and curling a superb long-range effort beyond Mike Maignan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England continued to dominate possession and create chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bukayo Saka thought he had doubled the advantage moments later, but his effort was ruled out for offside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second goal eventually arrived in the 19th minute when defender Ezri Konsa<\/strong> powered home Rice’s corner to make it 2-0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

France looked completely exposed defensively, while England attacked with pace, confidence, and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"England
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bukayo Saka Stars with a Brilliant Hat-Trick<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Marcus Rashford caused constant problems down the left flank and nearly scored with a stunning long-range strike that forced an excellent save from Mike Maignan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England’s third goal came after another devastating counterattack. Rashford and Saka combined brilliantly before the Arsenal winger finally converted after two earlier efforts had been blocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Three Lions were not finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Eberechi Eze slipped a clever pass into Saka, who calmly slotted home his second of the afternoon to give England a stunning 4-0 halftime lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was one of England’s finest 45-minute performances at a World Cup in decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

France Fights Back Through Mbapp\u00e9<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Didier Deschamps made four substitutions at halftime in an attempt to rescue the contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The changes immediately had an impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michael Olise found Kylian Mbapp\u00e9<\/strong>, who calmly finished to reduce the deficit and move ahead in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mbapp\u00e9 soon turned provider, assisting substitute Bradley Barcola as France pulled another goal back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Momentum briefly shifted towards Les Bleus, and England suddenly looked vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"England
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mbapp\u00e9 Makes World Cup History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

France continued to attack relentlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michael Olise delivered another inch-perfect assist for Mbapp\u00e9, who scored again to rewrite the World Cup record books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Paris superstar achieved several remarkable milestones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n