Tuchel tells England to be proud of World Cup bronze, Deschamps bemoans ‘disgraceful’ start
Third place is England’s best finish at a World Cup since 1966. Deschamps leaves France after 14 years in charge
Thomas Tuchel hopes England’s players can take pride and belief from ending their World Cup journey with a bonkers 6-4 bronze medal match win against France.
In contrast, his French counterpart, Didier Deschamps, bemoaned a “disgraceful first half” which left his side with too much to do in his last game in charge.
A third-place play-off in the Miami heat and humidity was the last thing either side wanted after heartbreaking semi-final losses to Argentina and Spain, respectively.
But England helped restore some pride on a wild Saturday evening at Hard Rock Stadium, where Tuchel’s side roared into a four-goal half-time lead as Bukayo Saka’s brace followed Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa goals.
France, playing in their final match under Didier Deschamps, threatened a remarkable comeback as Kylian Mbappe struck twice and Bradley Barcola found the net after the break, but England found a way to win.
Saka completed his hat-trick from the spot and Jude Bellingham brilliantly wrapped up the team’s best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966, after Ousmane Dembele pulled one back.