I honestly wasn not expecting much when I saw that England would be playing France in the third-place match. Most bronze medal games are forgettable because both teams are still hurting from missing out on the final. I thought it would be one of those matches you watch casually and move on from.
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I couldn't have been more wrong.
This game had everything a football fan could ask for, goals, drama, panic, brilliant individual performances, and a finish that kept everyone guessing until the very end.
What surprised me the most was how England started the match. They did not look like a team carrying the disappointment of losing to Argentina. But instead, they played with confidence and purpose. By halftime they were already four goals ahead, and I remember thinking, "Surely this game is over."
But against a team like France, you can never relax.
The second half was a completely different story. Mbappe reminded everyone why he is one of the best players in the world. Every time France attacked, they looked capable of scoring. As the goals kept coming, I started getting that uncomfortable feeling that England might actually throw away a four-goal lead because ootball has taught us never to celebrate too early.
One player who deserves every bit of praise is Bukayo Saka. He was simply incredible. His movement, confidence, and finishing were top class, and watching him complete his hat-trick was a joy. At the same time, I could not stop thinking about the semi-final. Seeing him perform like this naturally makes you wonder if things could have been different had he featured more against Argentina. We will never know, but it's a question many fans will keep asking.
I also liked the way England responded whenever France looked ready to complete the comeback. Instead of falling apart, they kept believing. Saka's penalty settled some nerves before Jude Bellingham wrapped things up with another goal deep into stoppage time.
Of course, conceding four goals is not something Tuchel will be happy about. Defensively, there are still plenty of questions that need answering before the European Championship. But attacking-wise, England showed what this group is capable of when they play with freedom and confidence.
Even though this was not the trophy England truly wanted, I think finishing third is still something they can build on. And more importantly, they gave football fans one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament.
Some games are remembered because of what they mean. Others are remembered because they are simply impossible to forget.
For me, this 6-4 goal thriller belongs in the second category.
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