England made it better late than never at the World Cup as the Three Lions stunned France to lead 4-0 at half-time in the third-place play-off just days after a bitter exit to Argentina
England have stunned France, and everyone watching, by tearing into a 4-0 lead at half-time of the World Cup third-place play-off.
Just days after the chance of ending 60 years of hurt was gutted by a late Argentina comeback, the Three Lions showed their strength by smashing France in the opening 45 minutes.
Declan Rice opened the scoring after just three minutes, leaving the entire country asking where that attacking intent had been after the Argentina defeat ended with 11 men behind the ball. But heads were again being scratched when Ezri Konsa headed in Rice’s corner to double the lead on 18 minutes.
Bukayo Saka has been a huge miss throughout the tournament as the Arsenal winger nursed an injury problem, but it took until a meaningless game for him to show his brilliance by netting a brace late in the half.
France were beaten by Spain in their semi-final on Tuesday and had the chance to finish Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure on a high. But it was anything but in the first half as Kylian Mbappe and co were humiliated.
The opening 45 minutes had all fans saying the same thing, with one user posting on social media: “It appears the French have already surrendered.”
A second echoed: “This isn’t the first time France has surrendered without a fight.” Another added: “A reminder that the French always surrender when the chips are down…”
A fourth joined in: “This is insane. The French team appear to have surrendered.” As another quipped: “Haven’t seen a French surrender like this since June 22, 1940.”
Another 45 minutes are still to play, but England are heading for their best finish at a World Cup since 1966, and maybe their biggest win at the tournament after the 6-1 win over Panama in 2018.