Ten Goals! England Forces France to Their Knees

The World Cup third-place play-off has been decided, and it was hard to beat for excitement.

Ultimately, England won a goal-filled match 6:4 against France.

Many changes for the teams

France coach Deschamps, for whom this is the last match, made a statement with seven changes compared to the 0:2 defeat against Spain even before the start.

England coach Tuchel did the same. This seemed to benefit the team, as the match began with a lightning start from the English.

Rice gained some meters in the third minute and shot from outside the box. He scored a spectacular goal into the far corner.

Chances by the minute

Just a few minutes later (7th), Tuchel's team again appeared dangerously in front of Maignan's goal, but this time Gusto was just able to prevent worse against Rashford.

Events were already unfolding rapidly in the opening minutes. France, who seemed shocked at first, gradually got into the game and forced Henderson into his first save from a long-range shot by Cherki (11th).

Irregular goal followed by a regular goal

Almost immediately, however, the English celebrated again. Saka scored, but was offside beforehand. It didn't take long for the next regular goal, though. Konsa converted a corner with a header to make it 2:0 (18th).

The back-and-forth continued. First, Rashford failed after a long-range shot (33rd), then Mbappé missed (35th).

Two minutes later, however, Maignan had to reach behind him again. Rashford played the ball to Saka, who netted for 3:0 (37th) and added the 4:0 just before halftime (45.+2), after Eze asserted himself in midfield.

France transformed

At halftime, Deschamps made a statement with a quadruple substitution. This bore fruit. In the 48th minute, substitute Upamecano initiated a French attack, which Mbappé cleverly converted into the left corner.

The team looked transformed. England was too passive in duels and conceded the 2:4 through Barcola.

At the other end, Maignan prevented Tuchel's squad from scoring their fifth goal with a save after a corner (60th). Olise also failed for France a minute later, as did Dembelé.

France created chances by the minute, only their finishing prevented more goals so far. But Mbappé reduced the deficit to 3:4 in the 66th after a one-two with Olise.

Late goals decide the game

Olise had the best chance to equalize and force extra time in the 75th minute, but England also had a good opportunity through Bellingham.

The crazy duel was seemingly decided in the 85th minute. After a foul by Gusto on Spence, Saka converted the penalty for 5:3, celebrating his third goal. But Dembele gave France hope again with the 4:5 (90.+6).

This hope was crushed by Bellingham. He put the final touch on the game with the 6:4. England finishes third at the World Cup.