(Miami) The French national team failed to deliver a fitting send-off for Didier Deschamps in his final match at the helm, as England triumphed 6-4 over France on Saturday in the World Cup’s ‘petite finale’. This extraordinary encounter witnessed a brace from Kylian Mbappé, who now stands alone as the record holder for most goals in World Cup history.

This outcome proved a harsh conclusion for the departing manager of France, who had urged his squad not to undervalue their ultimate fixture, despite its lack of significant stakes. It casts a shadow over an otherwise commendable World Cup journey, despite their elimination in the semi-finals, and does not fully honor the extensive contributions Deschamps has made to the French national team since 2012.

The seasoned coach will long remember his turbulent farewell at Hard Rock Stadium, where both teams combined for a remarkable 10 goals in a contest with an unbelievable narrative. “This is the end of something that represented the most beautiful,” the national coach remarked after the match, vowing to become a “silent supporter” of the French side.

Deschamps, who had hoped to conclude his 14 successful years leading the French national team on a high note, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He came perilously close to humiliation after a nightmarish first half, before a late and ultimately futile resurgence from his players, spearheaded by captain Mbappé.

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

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

The French backline was utterly exposed, prompting Deschamps to make four substitutions at halftime. The introduction of attackers Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, alongside defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, revitalized the French team. They quickly narrowed the deficit with goals from Mbappé (48th, 66th minute) and Barcola (54th minute), setting the stage for an almost surreal conclusion to the match.

A futile surge

Ultimately, this spirited comeback proved insufficient. The French players were unable to deliver a triumphant finale for their coach, as Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (87th minute), followed by a goal from Jude Bellingham in stoppage time that extinguished France’s lingering 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-finals, at least rediscovered for 45 minutes the spectacular flair that had captivated fans earlier in the tournament.

Though denied a second World Cup title after their 2018 victory, Mbappé departs the competition with his head held high. With 22 goals across three finals, he now holds the sole record for World Cup goals and leads the 2026 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 commented.

The French captain felt that the team was “completely stunned” by England’s dominant first 45 minutes.

Nevertheless, Mbappé exerted significant pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have the 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 esteemed status. Already the Golden Boot winner in Qatar in 2022, the Real Madrid forward is well-positioned to retain the award, unless the Argentine superstar delivers an extraordinary performance in the final.

Deschamps cannot say the same for other French players, who appeared largely disengaged from the match for extended periods, particularly the defenders. However, it is understandable how players who arrived at this World Cup aiming for a third star, yet were devastated by their semi-final defeat, might struggle to find motivation for an inconsequential bronze medal match.

For England and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense scrutiny 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 win everything,” Tuchel admitted.

Despite the disappointment, England achieved its best World Cup performance since their sole title victory in 1966.