(Miami) The French national team concluded Didier Deschamps’ tenure with a disappointing defeat, as Les Bleus fell 6-4 to England in the World Cup’s “small final” on Saturday. The match, a truly wild affair, saw Kylian Mbappé net a brace, cementing his status as the sole record holder for World Cup goals.

This outcome proved a harsh farewell for the now-former coach of Les Bleus, who had urged his squad not to undervalue their final encounter despite the lack of a championship stake. It cast a shadow over an otherwise commendable World Cup journey, marred by their elimination in the semifinals, and did little justice to Deschamps’ significant contributions to the French national team since 2012.

The seasoned manager will long remember his tumultuous farewell at Hard Rock Stadium, a match that saw a staggering ten goals scored by both sides in an incredible script. “This is the end of something that represented the most beautiful,” Deschamps stated after the game, vowing to become a “silent supporter” of Les Bleus.

Deschamps, who had hoped to conclude his fruitful 14 years at the helm of the French squad on a high note, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He was on the brink of humiliation after a nightmarish first half, before a belated and ultimately futile resurgence from his players, spearheaded by captain Mbappé.

The Tricolores, clearly still reeling from their 2-0 semifinal exit against Spain on Tuesday, were overwhelmed by England in the first half, conceding four goals. Declan Rice (3rd minute), Ezri Konsa (18th), and Bukayo Saka (37th, 45th+1) carved through an apathetic and overmatched French defense. Deschamps described it as an “unpresentable first half.”

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, known for his outspoken nature, similarly lambasted the “shameful” first half. “We cannot be content with botching things like that,” the AC Milan player criticized.

The French backline was breached from all angles, forcing Deschamps to make no fewer than four substitutions at halftime. The introductions of forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, alongside defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, suddenly revitalized Les Bleus. They narrowed the deficit through Mbappé (48th, 66th) and Barcola (54th), setting the stage for an almost surreal conclusion to the match.

Vain resurgence

Ultimately, this surge proved futile, and the French were unable to provide a fitting send-off for their coach. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (87th minute), before a late goal from Jude Bellingham in injury time extinguished France’s final hopes, coming just after Ousmane Dembélé had struck (90th+6).

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

Though he missed out on a second World Cup title after 2018, Mbappé departs the competition with his head held high. With 22 goals across three final phases, he now stands alone as the record holder for World Cup goals and comfortably leads the 2026 edition’s scoring charts with 10.

“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 Les Bleus were “completely stunned” by England’s opening 45 minutes.

Nevertheless, Mbappé exerted significant pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have ample 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 formidable reputation. Already the Golden Boot winner in 2022 in Qatar, the Real Madrid forward is well-positioned to retain the award, unless the Argentine superstar pulls off a sensational performance in the final.

Deschamps, however, could not say the same for other French players, who appeared largely disengaged from the match for extended periods, particularly the defenders. Yet, how can one fault players who came to this World Cup aiming for a third star, only to be devastated by their semifinal defeat and then compelled to battle for a somewhat 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 offers a small, albeit meager, consolation. “We dreamed of the most glorious success and were filled with ambition. Under these circumstances, it becomes very painful not to sweep everything,” Tuchel conceded.

Nonetheless, England achieved its best World Cup performance since its sole title in 1966.