England's 6-4 win over France marks strongest World Cup showing since 1966

The 6-4 triumph over France in Miami has been described as England’s strongest World Cup performance since the historic 1966 win.

Early pressure paid off as Declan Rice scored the opening goal, followed by Azri Konsa’s second strike. Bukayo Saka then delivered a brace before halftime, pushing the score to 4-0.

France rallied in the second half with Kylian Mbappé netting a double and Bradley Barcola adding one, briefly bringing the contest to 4-3. A penalty converted by Saka restored a four‑goal cushion, and a late French goal by Osman Dembele could not overturn the result.

Jude Beltingham’s substitute appearance culminated in a decisive goal in the 79th minute, his seventh of the tournament. The tally made him the first English player to record seven goals at a single World Cup, surpassing the previous record holders Gary Lineker and Harry Kane.

Beltingham’s post‑match message thanked the nation’s fans, calling the summer unforgettable and a springboard for future success.