England and France played a FIFA World Cup third-place match for the ages.
A total of ten goals were scored as England overcame second-half jitters to achieve their best finish at a World Cup since they won it in 1966.
England started early with a goal in the third minute. Declan Rice picked off a poor French switch pass and carried it from the midfield towards the edge of the 18-yard box.
Rice’s shot caught Mike Maignan, the French keeper, rooted to the spot.
England continued to push, threatening France with runs from quick transitions, particularly through Bukayo Saka.
But it was Rice again who helped England with their second goal. His corner kick in the 18th minute found Ezri Konsa. The centre-back rose tall with an excellent, powerful header.
A third was added in the 37th minute. Bukayo Saka’s initial pass to Marcus Rashford was excellent as the English attacking player carried the ball up the left channel.
Maignan came out to challenge the shot and got a decent block, but Saka, who had followed the play, pounced on it. He was unable to get his shot by the defender. However, Rashford got back on it, waited patiently for Saka to recover and passed to him.
Saka did not miss twice.
He also did not miss his next opportunity, his second goal, which came in stoppage time of the first half.
Eberechi Eze’s pass through the middle found Saka at the edge of the box. The winger slotted his shot into the low corner, leaving France heading into the tunnel for the half in disbelief as to how that first 45 minutes played out.
France came into the second half with four changes to their line-up, but it was two who played the first half who combined for the first French goal.
Michael Olise received the ball centrally and quickly played in Kylian Mbappé. The French captain one-timed his shot, giving France a lifeline in the 48th minute.
France added a second in the 54th minute, a goal where Mbappé played helper. His pass to Bradley Barcola set the attacker on his way into the box. The shot was low and beyond the reach of Henderson.
Mbappé had his second in the 66th minute, pushing France to within one of England.
A quick 1-2 passing sequence with Olise set Mbappé off as he recorded his 22nd World Cup goal, putting him one past Lionel Messi for the record.
England found reprieve with a penalty given in the 85th minute. Djed Spence was brought down inside the box, giving the referee the easy call.
Saka stepped up to seal his hat-trick and to give England their two-goal cushion back late in the game.
Ousmane Dembélé got a fourth goal for France late in stoppage time, but England immediately hit back through substitute Jude Bellingham with a sixth for them.
The match set the record for the most goals in a third-place match at the World Cup with ten.
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The World Cup final is tomorrow between Argentina and Spain. Kickoff is at noon PST.
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