France vs. England FULL REACTION: 10 GOAL THRILLER! | ESPN FC
Tune into the full reaction following France vs. England, who are vying for third-place at the 2026 World Cup. ESPN FC's Mark Donaldson and Steve Nicol recap England's 6-4 win over France, led by four first-half goals from the Three Lions. Didier Deschamps' side turned things around in the second half, with a four-goal effort, led by two goals from Kylian Mbappe, who is now the all-time goals leader at the World Cup. ✔️ Subscribe to ESPN Unlimited: https://plus.espn.com/ ESPN
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[music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Welcome to ESPNFC live presented by Mobile. France four England six. So, England take the first set. Stevie Nicol, what on earth have we just witnessed? >> Well, I think what we witnessed is is why professionals hate third and fourth place playoffs. Because we saw a team in France who still struggling from being knocked out. Um, there was no edge to them. You know, to to to close the ball or, you know, it was can we just get this game over and done with? And so, they end up being four nil down at half time. I mean, that's that is the worst fear for every coach putting a team on a third fourth playoff. Now, fortunately for France, um, the manager got into them at half reminded them they're playing for their country. And probably as much as anything, they were let's let's try and play for Mbappé. Let's try and get Mbappé some goals. Cuz of course he's going for the golden boot and most goals scored ever for anybody in a world in World Cup games. I mean, so many records. And of course, England are on the opposite side of the coin at half time. Um four nil up, the game's done as far as they're concerned. And so, they came out and they're sloppy. And of course, France come out and they've got their bit between the teeth with the four substitutes and completely turn the game around. So, listen, if you're a neutral and you just want to watch games of football, you might really really have enjoyed this game. I I can't honestly say I enjoyed it. I don't particularly like watching testimonial games. Um because one minute it's not real. Somebody scores, it becomes real. Somebody gets kicked, then it becomes real for a bit. So, I am a I am not a fan of sudden fourth playoff games. And quite frankly, I think it's ridiculous that you ask players at the end of a season and at at the end of a World Cup, not only do they have to play 90 minutes, but this could have gone to extra time and penalties. This is how ridiculous and moronic some of the decisions that that FIFA make. And of course, in this World Cup, they made a few of them, that's for sure. But yeah, for the for the neutral, 6-4 is a fantastic uh result, loads of goals. But for the for the hardened professional and for the ex-pro and for the players themselves, this is this is not an enjoyable game to play. >> What a picture that is with a ball in the back of the net. So, for England's third goal, it was scored by Bukayo Saka. France had such a high line that the closest center back they had to their own goalkeeper was 35 yards from the English goal. And they ended up scoring through Saka because Rashford got the ball and got in behind. Big Ange Postecoglou would have loved this. And at this stage it went to four and a quick look at social media and all you see is England fans saying, "Where was this?" against Argentina. So where was it against Argentina or is it because it was a totally different game? I think the point they're making is why didn't we see that when we got back to 1-1 or even when they were defending so much, why couldn't they have attacked somewhat similarly on Wednesday? >> [snorts] >> Well, because all the teams they played against in the actual tournament were trying to win the game and were competing. It is really that simple. France weren't competing in the first half. Which is why there was so many substitutes made. Um and as I said, and and England then get complacent. And so basically the roles were reversed in the second half. And almost bit England in the backside, but because because France had pushing forward to to to get the fourth, the fifth, then they end up being exposed again and so England can then again go on the counter and look as though they're dangerous in the attack. So you know, all these people on social media talking about where was this? Well, this wasn't there because this is this wasn't a real game and this is not a real game. And and don't kid yourself, this is not a proper game. This this is a a game that has to be played apparently because of FIFA, because the players don't want to play it. There's not a player coming to this game today that really wanted to play. They wanted to all be at home. So, yeah. Again, it finished up exciting. It finished up with 10 goals. But, as I said, you know, do not look at this game in any sort of analytical, professional type of manner because it doesn't count. >> [laughter] >> As harsh as that sounds, it doesn't count. Oh, by the way, to talk about the line you were talking about >> [laughter] >> the one who was alive, that was the problem. >> There there was one player that wanted to play and that was Mbappé. And we'll get to him. He got his two goals and and and now it's tight. It's going to be some final. If if Messi's able to tie him, cuz remember Mbappé got an assist as well. So, that's still to come. The Golden Boot race, it's very much advantage in Mbappé right now. >> Yeah. >> Here's one for you. Regarding Thomas Tuchel, and given everything you've said, the way that England fans have reacted to him since Wednesday, has any of that died down a little bit because he has now led England to their best finish at a World Cup since 1966? >> Do you know what? If anything, it's gone against him. You've already said on social medias like, "Well, where was this?" And the fact that he did the opposite of what they were doing tonight is just going to go against him as well. So, they may have won the game by scoring six, but it's just that it's just going to go against Thomas Tuchel. I mean, so even Thomas Tuchel can't win in this game. He can't win at all because if they'd gotten beaten, well, they got they would get beat, Thomas Tuchel. Now, the fact they've scored six goals, now they're all piling on or will be piling on saying, "Well, see what happens when you try and attack. Why didn't we keep attacking when we were 1-0 up >> [laughter] >> against Argentina?" So, uh unfortunately, Thomas Tuchel's in one of those moments in his life where it doesn't matter which way he turns, he's getting it. >> When you were sitting on your favorite armchair watching Michael Olise have chance after chance after chance, what were you thinking to yourself? >> I was thinking about a game I played in a few moons ago, probably around 1991, where Liverpool played Leeds United away and we were 4-0 up at half-time. That's exactly what I was thinking about. And it got back to 4-3. And then it was 5-3. And then it got back to 5-4 and we hung on to win the game. That's what I was thinking about. And and when Olise missed that chance, oh my goodness, I was thinking, "Wow, is he He better check he's got his boots on the right feet because not only did he have that opportunity, he had another one just before it as well that he probably should have done better with." So, yeah, that's what I was thinking about. Leeds 4, Liverpool 5, but we were 4-0 up at half-time and and boy, did we get a fright. >> Should the English Football Association Association going forward put this on a pedestal? We finished third, or should they just, given what's happened since Wednesday, just accept that it was probably what we would have taken at the start? What do you think they should do? Should they glorify this achievement or not? >> No, I think they should just keep their mouths closed and hopefully things die down. That's what they need to do, you know. If if they come out and start talking about how great it is that that England were third, then again, they're going to get backlash, you know. If you want to be third, then you're never going to be first. Let's put it that way. If you're happy being third, the chances you ultimately being first are going to be slim cuz if you're going to If you're going to start accepting defeats, then that is not a recipe for for success. Uh and at the end of the day, you know, the FA were talking when they brought in Thomas Tuchel about we're grateful for Gareth Southgate. He's taken us to semis. He's taken us to finals. We now need Thomas Tuchel to take us the next step. Uh so, to turn around and start glorifying being throb is at the very least hypocritical. >> How should French fans think and remember this World Cup? 38 touches in the England half in the second 45 minutes. Yeah, they scored four goals, but they lost 6-4 in, as you say, what you consider a meaningless game. >> Yeah. >> They've underachieved in this tournament based on the expectation level coming into the World Cup, have they? >> Yeah, I think I think I'm actually glad that France came out and did what they did in the second half um because it would have been a horrible way for Deschamps to finish his tenure. >> Yeah. >> Uh with his team not interested. Um and it's not it's not easy for the coach to try and get his players up for a game that is meaningless, quite frankly. Uh and it's even harder when you're trying to get a team up who were supposed to win the World Cup, whose expectation was they were going to win the World Cup. Um And so, it really would have been terrible had they lost 4-0 or 5-0 at the end of the day. Um it would have been horrible for Deschamps, and people would have remembered getting beat 4-0 or 5-0. But as it's turned out, nobody will remember this game in France. They will just concentrate on the fact that they were so disappointed that I guess it's hard to say you didn't win it, but you didn't get to the final. You know, I think anybody gets to a final and loses, and tough to criticize. But it would have been tough had they lost 5-0. But they didn't and that will be forgotten and it will just be a case of we're disappointed but then the qualifiers for the Euros will come around and hopefully it will be pushed into the distance. And then it will be onwards and upwards. >> You're watching ESPN FC Live presented by Mobile. Plenty of questions from our viewers. One of which is this one. Did England overachieve in this tournament or is it about right, Stevie? >> I don't think they overachieved. I think most of us, I know I did, thought that England would probably get to the last four. I think it just so happens that the expectation put on England with bringing Thomas Tuchel in was to take the next step. So, I don't think they've underachieved. I don't think they've overachieved. I think they've got to where I certainly thought they would be. And probably where they stand in world football, where they should be. But they showed in the end that they weren't good enough. That's just the bottom line of it. >> Another question is Kylian Mbappe in a tier of his own as practically unplayable when he's at his best? >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, it's just You You suddenly You forget. You forget how good he is. I mean, the commentator was talking about he's scored the most goals of anybody ever in a World Cup. And And I start thinking about Pele and Maradona and Cruyff and Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller and and Jairzinho and And you go, hold on a second, this guy this guy is blowing these people out of the water. And and I think we do forget about that. So, we shouldn't. The guy is absolutely fantastic and in terms of football ability, oh my goodness, he is he is something special. It's frightening. He He really is. >> Which England players have enhanced their reputations during this World Cup? >> Well, I think Jed Spence 100% has enhanced his reputation. Um I think Elliot Anderson has has cemented what we thought he could be coming into this World Cup. Um Jude Bellingham is just reminded us all that what happened at Real Madrid last year was wasn't particularly his fault. He's just confirmed what we thought he was. Um I think Konsa has probably enhanced his reputation. He looks He looked the part at this level at the highest level. Um I think that would probably be be about it. I don't think I don't think anybody else has enhanced what they we thought they were or what they were doing when we came into this tournament. >> Earlier today, um at various points of the day when we found out the news, we heard that Morgan Rogers is leaving Aston Villa and he's going to Chelsea. What was your take on that sale by Villa and that purchase by Chelsea? >> Well, it's the price tag, yeah. 116, was it? >> 117. I think Elliot Anderson was 116, so just >> Oh, sorry, I was miles out. So, excuse me. Um Well, I think the price tag first of all was the the first thing that struck me, but then I'm thinking 23 years old. Uh absolutely was the mainstay of Villa this season. Uh he was the guy when the question was asked at any stage who stood up. Um absolutely has goals in him from the middle of the park. Can do other jobs as well. He's not just a guy that gets in the box and scores. Uh so, I think it's a great signing for Chelsea. It's an absolute no-brainer for Aston Villa. You know, a team that a team that hasn't been able to really strengthen the way Unai Emery wanted wanted to, I believe, because of the because of the rules and regulations around finances. So, it's an absolute no-brainer for Villa. Yeah, Villa fans will be gutted that that that he left, but at the end of the day uh he had to go from a financial point of view and certainly for Rogers' career I think he had he had to go. You know, I've heard people questioning because Chelsea's not in the Champions League or this is a a step a good move. Well, listen, Chelsea will be in the Champions League next year. I'm pretty certain of that. He's 23 years old. He's going to a big-time club that are going to spend money for the foreseeable future. Um so, yeah, it's a a step up for him and financially a a great great move for Aston Villa. >> He's he's likely to be a mainstay of the England squad in a couple of years' time for the Euros. And it's on home soil for England. Would you put them certainly among the favorites because it's on home soil or do you still have France and probably Spain a little bit ahead of England? >> Well, we can only go by right now. There's there's there's I don't I don't see any possibility that England are going to drop. Um you know, they're They always have and again they will be in a group where it will be an impossibility for them not to qualify. So, the fact is they'll be in they'll be in the Euros, there's no question about that. Regardless, um so we'll need to see then, but they've they've shown us where they are in the pecking order. They're probably in the top four in the world. Um Okay, they finished third and again that didn't matter, but if they were to play a proper game tomorrow, I'd still put my money on France. So, yeah, England England will be hoping to, as we always talk about every single Euros World Cup, can they take the next step? So far the answer has been no. And there's no reason to think the next answer is going to be no. >> Mhm. I'm just looking at the French squad and then take that forward 2 years time. They're probably going to need a left back. Uh look at Digne, he's getting on a bit. Theo Hernandez is well, so someone is likely to come in there, but the majority of the rest of their squad, they're not going to be any weaker because they're only going to be a couple years older. A lot of them are are young. Is this the golden generation for France in the next generation? No. Don't start. Come on. Please. That's nonsense. Who I don't know who invented this garbage. The golden generation. Nobody Nobody called France of '98 a golden generation or or Platini's team that was full of absolute superstars. The golden year Stop with the golden generation, thank you very much. Look, they're a fantastic side. They'll because of the the the age they are, as you said, they'll learn from this. Um and they will absolutely, and when the Euros come around in 2 years time, be just just as strong as they are today. >> I I that's the first time the phrase golden generation has been mentioned without Roberto Martinez's name being mentioned along the lines of he's ruined the golden generation of this or that or or whatever. Just wait till he goes to Scotland. After that, France four, England six. The legendary performance presented by Mobile. Who you got for this game? >> Well, it's it was difficult not to go for Mbappé, let's be honest. He broke another couple of records tonight. What a shock. It seems to be a regular occurrence for this guy. But at the end of the day, to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match and so on, to score a hat-trick in any game, an international game, is incredible. So, tonight I'm going to go for Bukayo Saka. >> Just looking at some of the stats, he's the fourth England player to score a hat-trick at the World Cup. The last was Harry Kane against Panama in 2018. Gary Lineker, of course, doing it against Poland in 1986 and Geoff Hurst doing it against West Germany in the final in 1966. But that Gary Lineker hat-trick against Poland, three of his six goals in that tournament. And now Jude Bellingham has eclipsed him. That was a fine goal, wasn't it? That sixth goal right at the end. There's so much space. It was like the first half. You've still got to beat your man. You've still got to score and he did. >> I don't know. I never saw I was down here and waiting to see you. So, I'll take your word for it. >> Okay. [laughter] Looking forward for England now, I think it's Spain next in in the Nations League. It is a bit of a come down. It's not the World Cup for France. They'll have Nations League matches as well. Is it an opportunity for Thomas Tuchel and for the new French coach who's likely to be Zinedine Zidane to know that look, they're probably going to qualify for the Euros and for the Nations League they could pretty much play their backups. To maybe take a look at some of the players that didn't get much game time at the World Cup. >> Well, I think as a coach you're always you're always trying to improve and and you know, there's always going to be a player or a couple of players coming through and you need to see them on the field and put them in in positions where they're going to be under pressure and can they perform with a blue jersey on? All of those questions. Uh if you're if you're France anyway and a white one if you're England. So, there's no doubt that between now and the Euros uh both coaches, whoever they may be for for France, England or anybody else will will have a couple of new faces in and around the camp. Um and look into always get better and certainly build the squad for the for the future and for the next World Cup in particular. So, yeah, I think that's just a normal progression that any coach is looking to do any opportunity he gets. >> In 24 hours, we will know who the World Cup winners are. What kind of match do you expect stylistically between Spain and Argentina? >> Well, I think it's a no-brainer and Argentina going to do exactly what England what they did against England. They are not going to give Spain give in in a way. They're going to keep it tight. They're going to get in the face. Probably somewhere between the the halfway line and the and the half circle without being too deep. So, I'm expecting the game to start that way and then hopefully we can get Spain on the on the scoreboard. Because as we saw, Argentina had no choice but to come out and play and then it became a real entertaining game. Um so, I'm expecting the same thing. Spain to have the ball, Argentina to be trying to get them on the counterattack. And as I said, hopefully Spain can take the lead. That's That would be the best thing for the actual entertainment value and the spectacle of the game. >> I I don't think an early Argentina goal changes the style of the game. Spain will still play their game. Argentina will then sit back maybe even more and and do what they do best. Would an early goal for Spain be beneficial for the neutral viewer because then Argentina don't have a choice and would have to do what they did against England when they went a goal down? >> Will you not listen