(Miami) The French national team concluded Didier Deschamps’ tenure on a disappointing note, falling 6-4 to England on Saturday in a wild World Cup third-place playoff match. This extraordinary encounter saw Kylian Mbappé net a double, solidifying his sole ownership of the all-time World Cup goal record.

This outcome delivered a harsh farewell for the departing manager of Les Bleus, who had urged his squad not to undervalue their final match despite the lack of a major trophy at stake. It casts a shadow on an otherwise commendable World Cup campaign, despite their semi-final exit, and doesn’t fully reflect Deschamps’ significant contributions to the French national team since 2012.

The coach will undoubtedly remember his turbulent departure on the Hard Rock Stadium pitch, witnessing a staggering 10 goals scored by both sides in a match with an unbelievable narrative. “This is the end of something that represented the most beautiful,” Deschamps stated after the game, 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 squad on a high note, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He came perilously close to humiliation following a nightmarish first half before a belated, ultimately futile, resurgence from his players, spearheaded by captain Mbappé.

The Tricolores, clearly still reeling from their 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday, were overwhelmed by England 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 listless and outmatched defense. Deschamps himself described it as an “unpresentable first half.”

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

The French backline was in disarray, forcing Deschamps to make no fewer than four substitutions at halftime. The introduction of attackers Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, alongside defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, immediately revitalized Les Bleus. They narrowed the deficit with goals from Mbappé (48th, 66th minutes) and Barcola (54th minute), setting the stage for a truly surreal end to the match.

A Vain Surge

Ultimately, this surge proved futile. The French were unable to provide a fitting conclusion for their manager, as Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (87th minute) before Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time goal extinguished France’s last hopes, coming just after Ousmane Dembélé had struck (90th+6 minute).

While the outcome disappointed Deschamps, the French attackers, who had been largely ineffective 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 22 goals across three finals, he now stands as the sole record holder for World Cup goals and leads the 2026 Golden Boot race with 10 goals.

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

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

Nevertheless, 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 a Golden Boot winner in Qatar in 2022, the Real Madrid attacker is well-positioned to succeed himself, unless a remarkable feat by the Argentine star occurs in the final.

Deschamps could not say the same for other French players, who seemed largely disengaged from the match for extended periods, particularly the defenders. However, it’s difficult to fault players who arrived at this World Cup aiming for a third star, only to be heartbroken by their semi-final defeat and then compelled to compete for an inconsequential 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, albeit minor, consolation. “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.

Nonetheless, England achieved their best World Cup result since their sole title in 1966.