(Miami) The French national team failed to deliver a fitting farewell for coach Didier Deschamps, as Les Bleus succumbed to a 6-4 defeat against England on Saturday in the World Cup’s “small final.” This utterly wild match, held in Miami, was highlighted by a brace from Kylian Mbappé, who now stands alone as the record holder for most goals in World Cup history.

The conclusion of this tournament proved harsh for the outgoing manager of Les Bleus. Despite his fervent plea for his squad to approach their final fixture with seriousness, even without the ultimate prize at stake, the result cast a shadow. It marred an otherwise commendable World Cup journey, despite their semi-final exit, and did little justice to Deschamps’ significant contributions to the French national team since 2012.

Deschamps will undoubtedly remember his tumultuous farewell on the Hard Rock Stadium pitch, where an astonishing ten goals were scored by both sides in a match with an unbelievable narrative. “This marks the end of something that represented the most beautiful aspect of my career,” the coach reflected after the game, vowing to become a “silent supporter” of Les Bleus.

Deschamps, who had hoped to conclude his successful 14-year tenure at the helm of the French national team on a high note, experienced a full spectrum of emotions. He was on the brink of humiliation after a nightmarish first half, before his players, spearheaded by captain Mbappé, mounted a late but ultimately futile resurgence.

The Tricolores, clearly still reeling from their 2-0 semi-final exit against Spain on Tuesday, faced an onslaught from England 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 pierced through a lethargic and overwhelmed defense. Deschamps himself described it as an “unacceptable first half.”

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, known for his outspokenness, lambasted the opening period as “shameful.” “We cannot simply botch things like this,” the AC Milan player criticized.

The French backline was in disarray, forcing Deschamps to make no fewer than four changes at halftime. The introductions of attackers Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, alongside defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, immediately revitalized Les Bleus. They narrowed the deficit with goals from Mbappé (48th, 66th minute) and Barcola (54th minute), setting the stage for a truly surreal second half.

A futile comeback

Ultimately, this surge proved futile. The French team could not deliver a worthy conclusion for their departing coach, as Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (87th minute) before Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time goal dashed France’s final hopes, coming just after a late strike from Ousmane Dembélé (90th+6 minute).

While the outcome was disappointing for Deschamps, the French attackers, who had struggled against La Roja in the semi-final, at least rediscovered, for 45 minutes, the spectacular play that had captivated the world earlier in the tournament.

Though denied a second World Cup title after their 2018 triumph, Mbappé departs the competition with his head held high. With 22 goals across three final phases, he now stands as the sole record holder for World Cup goals and leads the scoring charts for the 2026 edition with 10 goals.

“I would have preferred to set the record aside and instead have the chance to participate in the final,” Mbappé expressed.

The French captain believed Les Bleus were “completely stunned” by England’s opening 45 minutes.

Nevertheless, Mbappé has put considerable pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have every opportunity to respond to the Frenchman in the final against Spain, scheduled for 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 2022 in Qatar, the Real Madrid forward is well-positioned to retain the award, unless the Albiceleste star delivers an extraordinary performance in the final.

Deschamps, however, could not say the same for the other Bleus players, who for long periods appeared disengaged from the match, particularly the defenders. But how could one truly fault players who arrived at this World Cup dreaming of a third star, only to be heartbroken by their semi-final defeat and then forced to contend for an almost insignificant bronze medal?

For England and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense criticism after Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Argentina, the result offered a minor consolation. But indeed, a very minor one. “We dreamt of the most glorious success, and we were filled with ambition. Under these circumstances, it becomes very painful not to win everything,” Tuchel admitted.

Nevertheless, England achieved their best World Cup result since their sole title victory in 1966.