Saka hat-trick powers England to 6-4 win over France in World Cup third-place thriller

Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick, leading England to a pulsating 6-4 victory over France in the World Cup third-place playoff in Miami. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with England racing to a 4-0 lead only for France, inspired by Kylian Mbappé, to mount a stunning comeback. Goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, and two from Saka put England firmly in control, but Mbappé's double and a strike from Bradley Barcola pulled France level. Saka's late penalty and Jude Bellingham's seventh goal of the tournament secured third place for England, their first in the competition's history.

First-half dominance

England started with intensity, capitalizing on France's sluggishness. In the third minute, Désiré Doué's loose pass was intercepted by Declan Rice, who finished calmly past Mike Maignan. Saka had a goal ruled out for offside after a superb pass from Morgan Rogers, but he soon made amends, scoring twice before halftime. Ezri Konsa added a header from Rice's corner, making it 4-0. France looked disjointed, with their semi-final hangover evident as England dominated possession and chances.

Mbappé ignites the comeback

After the break, Kylian Mbappé, playing his final match under outgoing coach Didier Deschamps, sparked a remarkable turnaround. He scored two quick goals, the first from a clinical finish after a through ball, and the second from a penalty he won himself. Bradley Barcola then pulled France to within one goal, making it 4-3 and leaving England rattled. The stadium erupted as France seemed poised to complete an improbable victory. Mbappé's performance underscored his desire to win the Golden Boot, becoming the first male player to reach double figures at a World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970.

Saka's penalty and Bellingham seal it

Just as France threatened to equalize, England regained composure. Bukayo Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after a handball in the box, restoring a two-goal cushion. Jude Bellingham, who came off the bench, added the sixth goal with a well-taken finish, his seventh of the tournament. France pulled one back through Barcola in stoppage time, but it was too little too late. The final whistle sparked celebrations among England players and staff, who had faced criticism after their semi-final defeat to Argentina.

Context and implications

For England manager Thomas Tuchel, who signed a contract extension before the tournament, the victory provided some respite after a tense buildup. He made seven changes from the semi-final, including naming an injured Declan Rice as captain. The match marked Didier Deschamps' final game in charge of France after 14 years, with Mbappé paying tribute on social media beforehand. Both teams now look to the future: England build toward Euro 2028 on home soil, while France begin a new era under a new coach. Saka's heroics and the team's resilience offer hope, but questions about defensive solidity remain.