England players pose on the podium during the medal ceremony after winning the Bronze Final in the match between France and England, Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, US, July 18, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Paul Childs
England players pose on the podium during the medal ceremony after winning the Bronze Final in the match between France and England, Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, US, July 18, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Paul Childs

Declan Rice put England ahead in the third minute before the Three Lions added three more goals to take a commanding 4-0 lead into halftime.

France mounted an impressive comeback after the break, scoring three unanswered goals to narrow the deficit to 4-3. Kylian Mbappe struck twice during the rally before both sides continued to trade goals in a fast-paced second half.

England ultimately held on to seal a dramatic 6-4 victory and finish third in the tournament.

Despite France's defeat, Mbappe emerged as the leading contender for the Golden Boot after scoring a hat-trick to take his tournament tally to 10 goals, moving ahead of Argentina's Lionel Messi, who has scored eight so far.