England nearly blew a four-goal lead against France as Bukayo Saka’s hat-trick gave the Three Lions a remarkable 6-4 bronze medal win 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 a disinterested France.
But the two-time World Cup winners woke up in the second half 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 World Cup with seven.
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.
Tuchel’s name was booed by England fans before kick-off, but England’s smiles 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.”
