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FROM MIAMI: England and France delivered a 10-goal spectacle in circumstances that might have seemed inconsequential, yet it turned out to be a classic encounter.

And that’s exactly why England must build their future around Jude Bellingham.

That is also why Thomas Tuchel needs to place greater faith in his No. 10. Once again, England were struggling to hold on to a World Cup lead in a chaotic match that stood at 5-4 when Bellingham did what he does best. The dynamic midfielder, a true force of nature, picked up the ball and sliced through the French defence with his trademark blend of quick feet, sharper mind, and sheer physical prowess.

It was a breathless, unpredictable contest – the most thrilling England-France battle since Waterloo – ending with a scoreboard that resembled a tennis match. Thanks to Bellingham. No Englishman has ever scored more than his seven goals at a single World Cup. And at just 23 years old, he is one to be treasured.

England boast plenty of quality players. Following their heartbreak against Argentina, one narrative suggested the team lacked talent. That notion is misguided. With talents like Bellingham, England clearly have the players – it was Tuchel’s substitutions that let them down.

Beyond Bellingham, Bukayo Saka once again showcased the depth of Tuchel’s options. The Arsenal winger repeatedly tore through the French defence with his pace and fearless runs, earning the Man of the Match award for his well-deserved hat-trick.

The Arsenal star, often referred to as the team’s ‘star-boy’, expressed frustration afterward about his limited game time during the World Cup. Tuchel had overlooked him in the semi-final against Argentina.

“There was a specific reason – an in-game decision regarding Bukayo,” Tuchel explained on the eve of the third-place play-off. “We opted for a more physical approach with Morgan Rogers.” Rogers assisted Anthony Gordon’s goal, which Tuchel later claimed justified the decision – saying Rogers “proved us right” – though he evidently underused Saka throughout the tournament.

Ever the professional and team player, Saka responded in the best possible way – on the pitch, in style, and with goals.

But Bellingham remains the heartbeat of this England side – the driving force, the natural leader, and the heir apparent to Harry Kane’s captaincy. He entered the pitch when England risked surrendering yet another lead. But not under Bellingham’s watch. He powered past Maxence Lacroix, sidestepped Dayot Upamecano with ease, and fired past Mike Maignan. England could finally exhale.

It’s absurd to claim there’s a lack of talent. England’s starting attacking six against Argentina cost over £600 million. Morgan Rogers is already linked with a £117 million move to Chelsea. Marcus Rashford began this wild third-place match by nutmegging Warren Zaire-Emery. The Three Lions were rampant, defeating France in a competitive fixture for the first time since 1982 – a World Cup match in Bilbao where Bryan Robson set the tone early.

Tuchel, a proud man sometimes resistant to reflection, faced boos when his image appeared on the big screens before kick-off. Yet his team raced to a 4-0 lead. France were stunned. England played with freedom and confidence, unburdened by pressure. The atmosphere felt more like an MLS exhibition, but the loyal England fans who had stayed on were rewarded handsomely – their team putting on a show to remember.

Captain Declan Rice led by example, scoring, assisting, and proving England’s quality. Saka initially outshone Kylian Mbappe, delivering a performance full of conviction – a statement to their manager that these players deserve trust.

Rice dominated the first half – intercepting Desire Doue’s pass, outpacing Malo Gusto and Zaire-Emery, and using Ibrahima Konate as a screen before firing past Maignan: 0-1. He then delivered a pinpoint corner, which Ezri Konsa headed home for 0-2. England were unstoppable. Rashford and Saka combined for the third as Maignan misjudged the play, allowing Saka to finish: 0-3. Moments later, Saka latched onto Eberechi Eze’s pass and finished clinically: 0-4.

As Rice and Mbappe swapped shirts at halftime, Didier Deschamps made sweeping changes – withdrawing Theo Hernandez, Rayan Cherki, Konate, and Doue, and sending on Lucas Digne, Upamecano, Bradley Barcola, and Ousmane Dembele. The substitutions had immediate impact. Upamecano outmuscled Ollie Watkins, while Michael Olise released Mbappe, who slotted past Dean Henderson: 1-4. Mbappe then set up Barcola, who evaded Konsa and fired home: 2-4. Olise again found Mbappe through a disorganised England defence: 3-4. Chasing the Golden Boot, Mbappe moved two ahead of Lionel Messi with 10 goals.

The hydration break came at a crucial moment for Tuchel, halting France’s surge and allowing him to reorganise his side. Olise squandered at least three more chances.

FIFA announced a crowd of 64,478, celebrating it as a “FULL HOUSE,” though a few empty seats suggested otherwise. The chants of “Mbappe, Mbappe” soon gave way to cheers for Bellingham. England’s No. 10 entered to loud applause as Tuchel sought to steady his team. Elliot Anderson also came on to restore midfield control, replacing Ivan Toney and Eze. With five minutes left, Djed Spence was brought down by Gusto, and Saka calmly converted the penalty – his 16th successful spot-kick out of 20 attempts: 3-5.

France struck back through Dembele, who beat Henderson: 4-5. But Bellingham had the final say, sealing the 4-6 victory. England departed Miami with bronze medals – still uncertain about Tuchel’s future, but absolutely convinced that Jude Bellingham is their cornerstone for years to come.