It was an afternoon of unbridled drama and goals galore as Bukayo Saka netted a stunning hat-trick in England's 6-4 World Cup playoff thriller against France in Miami. The Three Lions started like rockets, storming into the lead with four unanswered goals – Declan Rice getting them off to a flyer before Ezri Konsa and Saka struck twice to leave the French shell-shocked.
But this was no one-way street. Kylian Mbappé, driven by his quest for another Golden Boot, began France's counterattack in earnest with two crucial goals after Bradley Barcola had narrowed the deficit with a strike of his own. The 24-year-old superstar, seeking to become the first male player since Gerd Müller in 1970 to reach double figures at a World Cup, was wreaking havoc on England's defence.
Yet Saka refused to be denied, slotting home from the spot to complete an unforgettable hat-trick and then paving the way for Jude Bellingham to seal England's historic third-place finish with his seventh goal of the tournament. The victory offered a welcome respite from their semi-final heartbreak against Argentina – and what a way to bow out!
Manager Thomas Tuchel, who'd signed an extended contract before the World Cup, faced mixed reactions from fans in the aftermath. His pre-match press conference, where he defended his decisions after England's semi-final exit, hadn't gone down well with some supporters – and now the next two years, leading up to Euro 2028 on home soil, will be crucial in rebuilding his standing among England fans.
Both Tuchel and Deschamps had made seven changes from their respective semi-final lineups, with Declan Rice surprisingly donning the captain's armband despite carrying an injury throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka's continued involvement was raised as a concern – given Arsenal's worries about William Saliba's back injury.
It was a match full of intriguing subplots: Kobbie Mainoo missing from the bench due to injury, while Jordan Henderson was among the substitutes despite his broken arm. Ultimately, England's attacking prowess and Saka's clinical finishing proved too strong for France – whose valiant efforts, led by Mbappé, just couldn't deny them a bronze medal.