(Miami) The French national team was unable to provide a fitting farewell for Didier Deschamps, as Les Bleus fell 6-4 to England on Saturday in the World Cup’s ‘small final’. The match was an absolute spectacle, highlighted by a brace from Kylian Mbappé, who now stands alone as the record holder for World Cup goals.

This outcome proved harsh for the departing manager of Les Bleus, who had urged his squad not to undervalue their final fixture despite the lack of a grand prize. It casts a shadow on an otherwise commendable World Cup campaign, despite their elimination in the semi-finals, and doesn’t fully reflect Deschamps’ significant contributions to the French national team since 2012.

The coach will long remember his tumultuous farewell at Hard Rock Stadium, a match that saw a staggering 10 goals scored by both sides in an incredible narrative. “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 successful 14-year tenure at the helm of the French national team on a high note, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He came perilously close to humiliation after a nightmarish first half before his players, spurred on by captain Mbappé, mounted a late but ultimately futile resurgence.

The Tricolores, who clearly hadn’t recovered from their 2-0 semi-final exit against Spain on Tuesday, were overwhelmed by 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 breached a listless and outmatched defense. Deschamps himself described it as an “unpresentable first half.”

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, for his part, condemned the first period as “shameful.” “We cannot be content with rushing things like that,” asserted the AC Milan player, known for his outspokenness.

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

Vain resurgence

Ultimately, this surge proved insufficient. The French team couldn’t deliver a fitting farewell for their coach, as Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (87th minute) before a goal from Jude Bellingham in injury time extinguished France’s final hopes, just after Ousmane Dembélé had scored (90th+6 minute).

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

Although he couldn’t secure a second World Cup title after 2018, Mbappé departs the competition with his head held high. With 22 goals across three finals, he now holds the sole record for most World Cup goals and leads the scoring charts for the 2026 edition with 10 goals.

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

The French captain felt that Les Bleus were “completely stunned” by England’s first 45 minutes.

Nevertheless, Mbappé has put significant pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have every opportunity to respond to the Frenchman in the final against Spain on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The captain has been 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 his title, unless the Argentine superstar achieves a resounding feat in the final.

Deschamps cannot say the same for the other French players, who seemed largely disengaged from the match for long stretches, particularly the defenders. But how can one blame players who came to this World Cup aiming for a third star, only to be heartbroken by their semi-final defeat and then compelled to battle for an ultimately inconsequential bronze medal?

For England and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense criticism after their 2-1 loss to Argentina on Wednesday, 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 win everything,” Tuchel admitted.

Nevertheless, England has achieved its best World Cup performance since their sole title victory in 1966.