Analysis The numbers behind the result
England's clinical edge edges France in high-scoring thriller
England's 6-4 victory over France was a fair reflection of the balance of play, with both sides creating high-quality chances. England's superior efficiency in front of goal proved decisive, as they outperformed their xG of 2.58 by scoring six goals, while France's 2.87 xG resulted in just four goals. Despite trailing in possession (46%), France matched England's shot count (19), but their 9 shots on target yielded fewer goals compared to England's 11 on-target efforts.
England's early blitz was key, with Declan Rice (3'), Ezri Konsa (18'), and Bukayo Saka (37', 45+1') putting them 4-0 up before halftime. France responded with a triple substitution at the break and improved significantly in the second half, with Kylian Mbappé (48', 66'), Bradley Barcola (54'), and Ousmane Dembélé (90+6') cutting the deficit. However, Saka's penalty (87') and Jude Bellingham's late strike (90+8') sealed England's win. Mbappé's two-goal contribution was notable, but Saka's hat-trick underscored England's clinical edge.
The defining stat was England's shots-on-target conversion rate: 11 shots on goal yielded six goals, a 55% success rate that ultimately decided this chaotic encounter.