England secured their best World Cup finish since 1966 as they sealed third place with a thrilling 6-4 win over France.
The rampant Three Lions led 4-0 at half-time in Saturday’s bronze final in Miami, but were pegged back to 4-3 before then seeing out the most pulsating victory.
Bukayo Saka hit a hat-trick, while Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice and substitute Jude Bellingham also scored for England.
France’s goalscorers were Kylian Mbappe (twice), Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele.
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith was at Miami Stadium to rate the England players’ performances…
Dean Henderson 6
Would have earned a higher rating because of some good saves to deny Mbappe and Dembele, but conceded four in a second half where France were as clinical as England had been before the interval.
Jarell Quansah 6
A steady performance from the returning right-back, who was more assured on the ball than he was positionally off it. Had to go off injured late on.
Ezri Konsa 7
Came unstuck at moments in the second half but was typically confident on the ball and scored his first World Cup goal to make it 2-0.
Marc Guehi 6
Not bad on the ball but let France through too easily in the second half.
Djed Spence 8
Put in another phenomenal shift to complete his full World Cup transformation. Made plenty of tackles and was always positive in his movement with the ball to try and carry England up the pitch.
Declan Rice 7
Has looked shattered throughout this World Cup but set England on their way by scoring his first World Cup goal and then grabbing an assist for the second.
Eberechi Eze 7
Some really nice dribbles with the ball and his excellent through pass assisted Saka’s second. Came reasonably close to scoring a fine solo goal.
Bukayo Saka 9
Scored a disallowed first goal and then made up for the fact it didn’t count by scoring three more, including a nerveless late penalty that made sure of victory.
Morgan Rogers 6
Took up some good positions and was brave in carrying the ball forward. But it didn’t quite happen for the soon-to-be Chelsea man.
Marcus Rashford 7
Had one great effort from range which forced a good save and assisted Saka for the Arsenal man’s first goal. Subbed at half-time.
Ivan Toney 5
Some nice calm passes out wide and one headed chance but didn’t stand out.
Substitutes
Ollie Watkins (Rashford, 46’) 5
Came on to run the line but was dispossessed in the lead-up to France’s first goal. Improved after that but didn’t have the desired impact on the second half.
Elliot Anderson (Eze, 79’) 6
Brought on to settle things down in a failing midfield and did just that.
Jude Bellingham (Toney, 79’) 7
Overran the ball with one attack, but then selflessly handed Saka the penalty. Then scored a truly remarkable sixth goal for England himself.
Reece James (Quansah, 83’) N/A
Trevoh Chalobah (Guehi, 90+3’) N/A
Not used: Pickford, Trafford, O’Reilly, Stones, Kane, Chalobah, J Henderson, Burn, Gordon, Madueke.
