Bukayo Saka’s hat-trick helped England to a remarkable 6-4 bronze medal win over France in Miami to achieve their best World Cup finish since 1966.
England were incredibly 4-0 up at half-time through Declan Rice’s opener, Ezri Konsa’s header and Saka’s double, as Thomas Tuchel’s side took advantage of an uninterested France – but they nearly blew their four-goal lead in the second half.
The two-time World Cup winners woke up after half-time to threaten a sensational comeback through Kylian Mbappe’s double – which saw him become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer (22 goals) – and substitute Bradley Barcola’s strike.
Michael Olise missed two glorious chances to equalise before Djed Spence won a late penalty from Malo Gusto’s challenge, allowing Saka to score from the spot to complete his hat-trick in the 87th minute.
Yet there was still more drama to come as substitute Ousmane Dembele scored a 96th-minute goal to give France hope of avoiding defeat in Didier Deschamps’ last game in charge.
But two minutes later, substitute Jude Bellingham struck with the 10th goal of the game to set the record for the most goals by an England player at a major tournament with seven and secure the Three Lions’ third-place finish.
Bukayo Saka hit a hat-trick as England beat France to win the World Cup bronze medal
England’s goal-laden display and Saka’s performance will only add further frustration and regret over Wednesday’s semi-final loss to Argentina, where the Arsenal winger was an unused substitute and revealed after the win over France that he “would have loved to have played more”.
Tuchel’s name was booed by England fans before kick-off, but smiles and cheers at full-time will give the German hope he can lead them to glory at their home Euros in 2028, where France are set to be led by Zinedine Zidane.
‘The most ridiculous game ever’
England have achieved their best World Cup finish since 1966
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett in Miami:
“Who said these bronze medal matches were a waste of time? That was one of the most ridiculous, exciting, open and thrilling games I can ever remember for an England team.
“Of course, there was a huge sense of unreality about it, with 10 goals in a game that looked dead at half-time when England had a 4-0 lead.
“When France started coming back in the second half, there was panic in the England ranks and a sinking feeling, just three days after the lowest of the lows. But credit England’s resilience once more and their sheer guts; they ground this one out when the muscle memory must have been saying terrible things to them.
“Mbappe and Olise were running riot by then. But even those two were eclipsed by Saka.
“The Arsenal man becomes only the fourth Englishman ever to score a World Cup hat-trick, and England scored six! That they conceded four, we can discuss another day. Thomas Tuchel didn’t park the bus, and it led to a glorious basketball game.
“It is an extraordinary way for England to end their World Cup, one now with the highest finish since 1966.
“Of course, it will anger many – rightly – that Saka and Marcus Rashford were outstanding against France when they were ignored in the semi-final. Of course, the damnation of Tuchel’s tactics when it really mattered still stands.
“But let’s just enjoy this one, eh? It was a fantastic, rollercoaster ride, where England just about managed to stay in their seats as we looped-the-loop.”
Tuchel explains Saka’s Argentina omission as he praises ‘special’ bronze finish
England collect their bronze medals at the World Cup
England head coach Thomas Tuchel speaking to BBC Sport over Saka’s omission in the semi-final loss to Argentina:
“He did everything right. I had just a feeling in the semi-final for Morgan Rogers that he would be involved in something special. That was it. The game itself was so in demand that we were forced into changes because of cramps and the flow of the game.
“Bukayo showed he was a key player; that was never a doubt. I was not even aware he had a hat-trick. I lost the overview of the goalscorers.”
On the bronze medal win: “It was like four matches – what happened here. Crazy first half and a turbulent second half. You could see the difference what one day makes.
“We were so, so tired and drained from the last few weeks. Massive compliment and respect for the mentality we showed with all the adversity. Absolutely brilliant.
“I was afraid of the physical demand of the match due to the threat of France. They have far less of a schedule for them; it was less demanding. They had one day more after the semi-final and had less travel distances than us.
“This sums it up for us. We played in the heat in extra time, at altitude. I was worried physically. You can see it in the second half, all the cramps and tiredness.
“But I was never worried about the tiredness. This team has created something special. They showed it again.”
Saka: I would love to have played more
Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring his hat-trick
Asked whether he could have played more at the tournament, Bukayo Saka told BBC Sport:
“Of course, I would love to have played more. But of course, it’s not the time to talk about that. I try to do my talking on the pitch. It’s done now. Move on.”
On his fitness: “Yeah, I’m fit. I’m fit.”
On the noise around Tuchel: “It’s part of the game. When you lose, there’s always going to be noise. When you win, there’s always going to be noise. It’s how you react to it and use it as fuel. Today we had to finish strong.”
England assistant Barry’s ’emotional’ half-time interview
England assistant head coach Anthony Barry speaking to BBC Sport at half-time:
“Have to be honest, there’s no frustration [they could not perform like this against Argentina]. I’m a little bit emotional, I can’t find the words about how proud I am of those players. We’re playing a game with broken hearts, 11 lads with broken hearts.
“I’ve seen them in the hotel in the last few days with broken hearts. They can build a performance like that by playing through pride for England. The team spirit we’ve built in the last seven weeks.
“The cynics will say it’s too late, but we still play against a world-class opponent and I’m so proud of the boys.”
How 10-goal thriller unfolded…
3: ENGLAND GOAL! Rice latches onto a misplaced pass to produce a stunning finish.
18: ENGLAND GOAL! Rice turns provider as his corner is headed in by Konsa
37: ENGLAND GOAL! Saka rebounds home from Rashford’s one-on-one chance.
45+2: ENGLAND GOAL! Saka collects Eze’s through-ball to fire low into the corner and give England a 4-0 half-time lead.
48: FRANCE GOAL! Mbappe pulls one back with a side-footed finish just minutes into the second half.
54: FRANCE GOAL! Mbappe sets up Barcola, who hammers past Henderson at his near post.
66: FRANCE GOAL! Mbappe becomes the all-time leading World Cup scorer with a brilliant finish after a fine one-two with Olise.
87: ENGLAND GOAL! Saka scores from the spot as he sends the goalkeeper the wrong way.
90+6: FRANCE GOAL! Another twist as Dembele cuts in on his left foot and curls one into the corner.
90+8: ENGLAND GOAL! Bellingham seals the win as he dribbles into the area and rounds the defenders to finish from close range.
