France overwhelmed in first half
The French national team endured a nightmare first half against England on Saturday in the 2026 World Cup third-place match. Dominated in every aspect of the game, France conceded four goals in 45 minutes, a disastrous performance that leaves them in a precarious position heading into the second half.
How did England score four times in 45 minutes?
England took the lead as early as the 3rd minute through Declan Rice, whose right-footed strike beat Mike Maignan. The Three Lions doubled their advantage in the 18th minute when Ezri Konsa headed in from a corner. Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka then scored two counter-attacking goals, making it 4-0 before halftime.
Why is this defeat so painful for France?
This crushing defeat comes after a run of five consecutive wins for Les Bleus, including a recent 2-0 victory over Morocco on July 9, 2026. The performance against England is particularly disappointing as it contrasts sharply with their recent form. France will need to pull off a miracle in the second half to avoid complete humiliation.
What can France do to bounce back?
Les Bleus must regroup quickly to avoid a historic defeat. Their next match is scheduled against Turkey on September 25, 2026, and they will need to focus on that game to regain their form. For now, they must concentrate on the second half of this match to minimize the damage.
