(Miami) The French national team concluded Didier Deschamps’ final match at the helm with a disappointing 6-4 loss to England in the World Cup’s third-place play-off on Saturday. This extraordinary contest, a true goal-fest, saw Kylian Mbappé achieve a remarkable double, solidifying his status as the sole record holder for most goals in World Cup history.

This outcome proved a cruel farewell for the outgoing Bleus boss, who had urged his squad not to undervalue their final fixture despite the absence of a trophy at stake. The defeat casts a shadow over an otherwise commendable World Cup journey, even after their semi-final exit, and doesn’t fully reflect Deschamps’ significant contributions to the French national team since 2012.

The veteran coach will long remember his tumultuous departure from the Hard Rock Stadium pitch, where an astonishing ten goals were scored by both sides in a match with an unbelievable narrative. “This marks the end of something that represented the most beautiful,” Deschamps stated after the game, vowing to become a “silent supporter” of the Bleus.

Deschamps, who had hoped to conclude his 14 prosperous years at the helm of the French squad on a high note, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He came perilously close to humiliation following a nightmarish first half before his players, spurred by captain Mbappé, mounted a late but ultimately insufficient resurgence.

The Tricolores, clearly still reeling from their 2-0 semi-final loss to Spain on Tuesday, were overwhelmed by England’s offensive onslaught in the first half. They conceded four goals from Declan Rice (3rd minute), Ezri Konsa (18th minute), and Bukayo Saka (37th, 45th+1 minutes), who effortlessly breached a sluggish and outmaneuvered defense. Deschamps himself described it as an “unpresentable first half.”

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, known for his outspokenness, lambasted the first half as “shameful.” “We cannot be content with botching things like that,” asserted the AC Milan player.

The French defense was leaking goals from every angle, compelling Deschamps to make no fewer than four substitutions at halftime. The introductions of attackers Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, alongside defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, dramatically revitalized the Bleus. They narrowed the scoreline with goals from Mbappé (48th, 66th minutes) and Barcola (54th minute), setting the stage for an almost surreal conclusion to the match.

A futile comeback

Despite their valiant efforts, the French comeback ultimately proved futile. They couldn’t deliver a fitting farewell for their coach as Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (87th minute), followed by a goal from Jude Bellingham in injury time, extinguishing France’s remaining hopes just after Ousmane Dembélé had scored a late consolation (90th+6 minute).

While the outcome was disappointing for Deschamps, France’s attackers, who had 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.

Though denied a second World Cup title after their 2018 triumph, Mbappé departs the competition with his head held high. With an astounding 22 goals across three final phases, he now holds the outright record for World Cup goals and currently leads the 2026 edition’s Golden Boot race 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 acknowledged that the Bleus were “completely stunned” by England’s dominant first 45 minutes.

Nevertheless, Mbappé has put considerable pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have every 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 formidable reputation. Already the Golden Boot winner in 2022 in Qatar, the Real Madrid forward is well-positioned to retain the title, unless the Argentine superstar delivers an extraordinary performance in the final.

Deschamps, however, could not say the same for other Bleus players who appeared largely disengaged from the match for extended periods, particularly the defenders. But how can one fault players who came to this World Cup aiming for a third star, only to be devastated by their semi-final defeat and then compelled to battle for an inconsequential bronze medal?

For England and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense criticism after their 2-1 defeat to Argentina on Wednesday, the result offers a small, albeit very minor, consolation. “We dreamed of the most glorious success and were filled with ambition. Under these conditions, it becomes very painful not to sweep everything,” Tuchel conceded.

Nevertheless, England has achieved its best World Cup performance since their sole title victory in 1966.