England Hit SIX! Three Lions Win Miami Thriller 6-4 as Deschamps and Cherki Clash Again

England ended their 2026 World Cup with six goals and a bronze medal. The Three Lions outscored France 6-4 in a frantic third-place play-off in Miami, a game that abandoned any pretence of defensive discipline inside the opening half hour. And while England celebrated, the French bench came apart: Manchester City playmaker Rayan Cherki clashed with Didier Deschamps for the second time at this tournament, with the departing France boss then refusing to ‘settle scores’ afterwards.

Six goals, bronze medal: how England won the Miami shootout

England beat France 6-4 in the 2026 World Cup third-place play-off in Miami, claiming bronze in one of the highest-scoring matches of the entire tournament. Ten goals in a single fixture told the story of two defences that had nothing left to give after a month in the United States.

For England, six goals against a France side of this calibre is a genuine statement, even in a consolation fixture. Finishing third at a World Cup ranks among the Three Lions’ better tournament returns, and the manner of it — attacking relentlessly rather than shutting up shop — will shape how this campaign is remembered.

Deschamps vs Cherki: the French collapse behind the scoreline

France’s night unravelled on the touchline as much as on the pitch. Rayan Cherki, frustrated by his role across the tournament, confronted head coach Didier Deschamps during the match — the second visible flashpoint between the pair at this World Cup.

Speaking afterwards, Deschamps declined to ‘settle scores’ with the Manchester City man in public. It was a notably restrained response from a manager already leaving his post, and one that keeps the argument inside the France camp rather than in the headlines.

What third place actually means for England

Bronze is not the trophy, but it is a foundation. England reached the last four of a 48-team World Cup and then scored six goals in their final match — evidence of an attacking group that can hurt elite opposition rather than merely contain it.

The concern is the other column. Conceding four to a France side already mentally checked out points at the same defensive vulnerability that has undermined England in knockout football before. That is the department the next cycle has to fix.

France enter a new era as England look ahead

France now begin life after Deschamps, with the French Football Federation needing a new head coach and a rebuilt defence after shipping six goals in a single game. Cherki’s international future is one of the first questions the successor will face.

England, meanwhile, leave the 2026 World Cup with momentum and a squad still short of its peak years. Third place plus a 6-4 win sets a clear benchmark: the attack is ready, the back line is the project.

FAQ