In Miami, the French national team failed to deliver a fitting farewell for coach Didier Deschamps, as Les Bleus succumbed to England with a 6-4 defeat on Saturday in the World Cup’s third-place playoff. This utterly wild encounter saw Kylian Mbappé net a double, solidifying his sole ownership of the all-time World Cup goal record.

The conclusion of this match proved agonizing for the departing manager of the French squad, who had urged his players not to undervalue their final fixture, despite the absence of a trophy at stake. This loss somewhat tarnishes an otherwise impressive World Cup campaign, even after their elimination in the semi-finals, and doesn’t fully reflect the significant contributions Deschamps has made to the French selection since 2012.

The tactician will long remember his tumultuous farewell on the Hard Rock Stadium pitch, where an astonishing ten goals were scored by both teams in a match with an unbelievable narrative. “This is the end of something that represented the most beautiful,” the coach stated at the final whistle, vowing to become a “silent supporter” of Les Bleus.

Deschamps, who had hoped to conclude his 14 successful years at the helm of the French national team on a high note, experienced a whirlwind of emotions. He was perilously close to humiliation after a dreadful first half, only for his players, spearheaded by captain Mbappé, to mount a late but ultimately futile resurgence.

Still visibly reeling from their 2-0 semi-final exit against Spain on Tuesday, the Tricolores were overwhelmed by the English onslaught in the first half, conceding four goals. Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, followed by Ezri Konsa in the 18th, and a brace from Bukayo Saka in the 37th and 45th+1 minutes, as they sliced through an apathetic and outmatched French defense. Deschamps himself characterized it as an “unpresentable first half.”

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, known for his outspoken nature, condemned the first half as “shameful.” The AC Milan player added, “We cannot settle for botching things like that.”

The French backline was breached repeatedly, compelling Deschamps to make no fewer than four substitutions at halftime. The introduction of forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, alongside defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, revitalized Les Bleus. They quickly narrowed the deficit with goals from Mbappé (48th, 66th) and Barcola (54th), setting the stage for an almost surreal second half.

A futile surge

Ultimately, this spirited comeback proved to be in vain. The French squad could not deliver a fitting finale for their coach. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute, followed by a goal from Jude Bellingham in stoppage time, which extinguished France’s last hopes, coming just after Ousmane Dembélé had scored in the 90th+6 minute.

While the outcome was disappointing for Deschamps, the attackers, who struggled against La Roja in the semi-final, at least rediscovered, for 45 minutes, the spectacular play that had captivated the world earlier in the tournament.

Although he couldn’t secure a second World Cup title after 2018, Mbappé departs the competition with his head held high. With 22 goals across three final phases, he now stands alone as the record holder for most goals in the World Cup and leads the scoring charts for the 2026 edition with 10 goals.

“I would have preferred to set the record aside and instead have the chance to participate in the final,” Mbappé expressed.

The French captain believed Les Bleus were “completely stunned” by England’s opening 45 minutes.

Nonetheless, Mbappé exerted significant pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have ample opportunity to respond to the Frenchman in the final against Spain on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The captain remained exemplary throughout his time in the United States, living up to his star status. Already the Golden Boot winner in 2022 in Qatar, the Real Madrid forward is well-positioned to retain the award, unless the Albiceleste star pulls off a sensational performance in the final.

Deschamps, however, cannot say the same for other French players, who appeared largely disengaged from the match for extended periods, particularly the defenders. Yet, how can one fault players who arrived at this World Cup aspiring for a third star, only to be crushed by their semi-final defeat and then compelled to fight for an ultimately anecdotal bronze medal?

For England and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense criticism after Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Argentina, the result offers a small measure of consolation. But only a small one. “We dreamed of the most glorious success and were filled with ambition. Under these circumstances, it becomes very painful not to sweep everything,” Tuchel conceded.

Nevertheless, England achieved their best World Cup finish since their sole title in 1966.