In one of the most spectacular matches in World Cup history, England outlasted France 6-4 in the third-place playoff at Miami Stadium on Saturday, securing the Three Lions' best World Cup finish since their 1966 triumph on home soil.

Bukayo Saka delivered a masterclass performance with a hat-trick, while Jude Bellingham became the first English player to score seven goals in a single World Cup tournament. Yet even in defeat, Kylian Mbappé etched his name further into football history by surpassing Lionel Messi as the all-time World Cup leading goalscorer.

England's Explosive First Half

The Three Lions came out with ferocious intent, overwhelming the French defense in the opening 45 minutes. Declan Rice opened the scoring just three minutes in, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give England the perfect start. Ezri Konsa doubled the lead in the 18th minute with a towering header from a corner, before Saka took center stage.

The Arsenal winger was virtually unplayable, scoring twice before halftime to give England a commanding 4-0 advantage. His pace, directness, and clinical finishing left French defenders chasing shadows throughout the first period.

France's Furious Comeback Attempt

France, showing the resilience that has defined their tournament run, stormed back in the second half. Mbappé pulled one back, then added another, taking his tournament tally to 10 goals—the most by any player at a single World Cup since Just Fontaine's 13 goals in 1958.

Michael Olise, who provided two assists to bring his tournament total to seven, helped orchestrate France's revival. By the 66th minute, the lead had been cut to just one goal, and England fans nervously recalled their team's history of tournament collapses.

Saka and Bellingham Seal It

But this England team showed they have learned from the past. Saka completed his hat-trick to restore a two-goal cushion, becoming only the second English player after Geoff Hurst to score a World Cup hat-trick. Bellingham then added his seventh goal of the tournament to make it 6-3.

France's Antoine Griezmann scored a late consolation, but it was merely a footnote in England's comprehensive victory.

Mbappé's Bittersweet Record

Despite finishing on the losing side, Mbappé achieved something remarkable. His two goals took his career World Cup total to 22, surpassing Messi's record of 21. The 27-year-old French captain has now scored four goals in 2018, eight in 2022, and 10 in 2026, cementing his status as the greatest World Cup scorer of all time.

Mbappé is now the heavy favorite for the Golden Boot, though he will have to watch nervously as Spain and Argentina contest Sunday's final, where Rodri and Lautaro Martínez could potentially catch up.

England's Best Finish in 60 Years

For England, third place represents their best World Cup performance since Bobby Moore lifted the trophy at Wembley in 1966. Manager Gareth Southgate, who has faced criticism throughout his tenure, can point to this tournament as validation of his methods.

The Three Lions scored 21 goals across the tournament, with contributions from across the squad. While they fell short of reaching the final, this young team has proven they can compete with the world's best on the biggest stage.

As attention now turns to Sunday's final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, England can head home knowing they gave American fans one of the most entertaining matches this World Cup has produced.