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FIFA World Cup## Danny Murphy was on punditry duty for the BBC as England beat France 6-4 in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff, but the former Liverpool midfielder was left frustrated by missed chances
Bruna Reis and Myriam Toua
14:14, 19 Jul 2026
France v England: Bronze Medal Match - FIFA World Cup 2026
England secured a thirdplace finish at the World Cup(Image: Getty)
Danny Murphy's on-air behaviour during England's clash with France prompted commentator Steve Wilson to encourage him to apologise to BBC viewers. Murphy and Wilson were providing coverage for England's 6-4 triumph as they claimed third place at the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel's squad were competing in their final fixture of the competition following a heartbreaking 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina. What appeared to be a largely inconsequential third-place play-off - a match neither side seemed especially eager to participate in, rapidly transformed into a goal-filled thriller.
England surged to a commanding 4-0 interval advantage, with strikes from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a first-half double from Bukayo Saka. Following the break, the Arsenal attacker sealed his hat-trick before Jude Bellingham netted a sixth during added time.
Despite a spirited French fightback, England achieved their finest World Cup performance since 1966. Saka and Bellingham both came close to extending the margin further, only to be thwarted in rapid succession by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The wasted opportunities seemed to frustrate Murphy in the commentary box as Wilson narrated the play.
The former Liverpool and England midfielder was observed perched on the edge of his seat responding to the missed chances, using his microphone as a means of venting his frustration by banging it against the desk.
Danny Murphy
Danny Murphy apologised to BBC viewers during England's clash against France(Image: BBC)
Unsurprisingly, viewers at home were quick to pick up on the noise. Commentator Wilson quipped: "Danny, people can hear you if you bang your microphone on the table! ," before Murphy offered his apologies.
He said: "Sorry, sorry. It was either that or shout really loud."
Following the devastating blow of failing to secure a place in the final, man of the match Saka felt he could have done more for his country's campaign. "Of course I'd love to have played a bigger part but it's too late for that," he said.
Saka refused to be drawn on the criticism levelled at England manager Tuchel
Saka refused to be drawn on the criticism levelled at England manager Tuchel(Image: Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
"I tried to do my talking on the pitch but it's time to move on. Yeah, I'm fit, I'm fit." The 24-year-old had arrived at the tournament shrouded in fitness concerns after being pushed to his limits, battling through injury while helping Arsenal clinch the Premier League title.
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Saka also refused to be drawn on the criticism levelled at England manager Tuchel, who faced growing calls to resign following Argentina's dramatic late fightback.
He added: "I think it's just part of the game, when you win there will be noise and when you lose, it's about how you react to it and use it as fuel, we finished strong.
"We built and built across the tournament. We had some amazing results and in the end we fell short against Argentina. It hurts a lot to all of us and I'm sure it's the same to the fans back home but we have to hold out head high and focus on the next one."
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