Chelsea trio feature in all

Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah helped England finish third at the 2026 World Cup after a remarkable 6-4 victory over Malo Gusto’s France in Miami.

Gusto started at right-back for Les Bleus, while James and Chalobah were named among the England substitutes. Chelsea legend N’Golo Kante was also on the France bench but was not introduced.

England made an explosive start and were ahead inside three minutes through Declan Rice, who drove forward before finding the bottom corner.

Ezri Konsa headed in Rice’s corner to double the advantage, before two Bukayo Saka goals gave Thomas Tuchel’s side an extraordinary 4-0 lead at half-time.

France emerged with renewed purpose following four changes at the interval. Kylian Mbappe pulled one back three minutes after the restart and then supplied Bradley Barcola, who reduced the deficit further six minutes later.

Mbappe struck again midway through the second half to make it 4-3, completing a rapid French response and setting up a tense conclusion.

James was introduced in the 83rd minute, replacing Jarell Quansah on the right of England’s defence. The Chelsea captain was soon involved in a frantic closing spell as both sides continued to attack.

England were awarded a penalty four minutes later when Gusto was adjudged to have brought down Djed Spence inside the area. Saka converted from the spot to become just the second Three Lions player - after Sir Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final - to score a hat-trick in a World Cup knockout match.

Chalobah entered the contest in added time in place of Marc Guehi, meaning all three current Chelsea players featured on the pitch during the closing stages.

Ousmane Dembele briefly gave France fresh hope by making it 5-4, but substitute Jude Bellingham produced a stunning sixth deep into stoppage time.

The victory meant England recorded their best finish at the men’s tournament since lifting the trophy in 1966.