Arsenal striker Bukayo Saka bagged a hattrick when England stunned former champions France to win bronze at the penultimate match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Miami stadium, USA.
In a ten-goal marathon thriller, the Thomas Tuchel coached side, England won 6-4 against France in the third place play off ahead of today’s final match between Spain and holders Argentina.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice kicked off the scoring with just three minutes into the start to give England a 1-0 lead with his long-range right foot shot.
Enri Konsa doubled the score in the 18th minute after converting Rice corner, heading into French goal for 2-0. Bukayo Saka tripled the score in the 37th minute for 3-0. Then Bukayo bagged his brace in the 45+1 minutes to make it 4-0 into the break.
After resumption, Didier Deschamps’ France came rejuvenated, with captain Kylian Mbappe scoring in the 48th minute for 4-1 before Bradley Barcola doubled in the 54th minute for 4-2 as Mbappe bagged a brace in the 66th minute for 4-3.
However, tables turned when Saka converted from the spot to make it 5-3 in the 87th minute for a hattrick then Ousamne Dembele managed to score in the 90+6 minutes to make it 5-4 but the Jude Bellingham sealed the 6-4 winning goal with his solo effort in the 90+8.