France 4-6 England

A Bucayo soccer hat-trick helped England to their best World Cup finish since 1966 with a remarkable 6-4 bronze medal win over France in Miami.

England were incredibly 4-0 up at half-time through Declan Rice’s opener, an Ejri Concer header and a Soccer double, as Thomas Tuchel’s side took advantage of a disinterested France – but they almost blew their four-goal lead in the second half.

The two-time World Cup winners rose after half-time to threaten a sensational comeback with Kylian Mbappe’s double – which saw him become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer (22 goals) – and substitute Bradley Barkola’s strike.

Michael Ollis missed two great chances to equalize before DZ Spence won a late penalty from a challenge on Malo Gusto, allowing Saka to score from the spot to complete his hat-trick in the 87th minute.

Yet there was more drama to come as substitute Ousmane Dembele scored in the 96th minute to give Didier Deschamps hopes of avoiding defeat in his last game in charge of France.

But two minutes later, substitute Jude Bellingham scored the tenth goal of the game to set the record Seven for the most goals by an England player in a major tournament and securing third place for the Three Lions.

England’s goal-laden display and soccer performance will only add further frustration and regret to the semi-final loss to Argentina, where the Arsenal winger was an unused substitute and After the win against France, he revealed that he “would have liked to play more”.

Tuchel’s name was chanted by England fans before kick-off, but the smiles and cheers throughout will give the Germans hope that he can achieve their glory. Euro in their homes in 2028, Where France is led by Zinedine Zidane.

‘The funniest game ever’

Rob Dorsett on Sky Sports News’ Miami:

“Who said these bronze medal matches were a waste of time? This was one of the most ridiculous, exciting, open and thrilling games for the England team that I can ever remember.

“Of course, there was a huge sense of unreality about it, 10 goals in a game that looked dead at half-time when England were 4-0 up.

“When France started to come back in the second half, there was panic in England’s ranks and a sinking feeling just three days after the lowest fall. But credit England’s resilience and their sheer courage; they stuck it out when muscle memory must have told them the horror.

“Mbappe and Olisse were running rampant by then. But those two were also swallowed up by Saka.

“The Arsenal man became the fourth Englishman ever to score a hat-trick at the World Cup, and England scored six! That they lost four, we can discuss another day. Thomas Tuchel didn’t park the bus, and it led to a glorious game of basketball.

“It’s a fantastic way for England to end their World Cup, which is now one of the highest finishes since 1966.

“Of course, it will anger many – rightly so – that Saka and Marcus Rashford were outstanding against France when they were overlooked in the semi-final. Of course, the curse of Tuchel’s tactics when it really mattered still stands.

“But let’s just enjoy it, shall we? It’s been a fantastic, rollercoaster ride, with England almost able to stay in their seats as we loop-the-loop.”

Tuchel explains Argentina’s elimination from soccer as he hails ‘special’ bronze finish

England head coach Thomas Tuchel to talk BBC Sport Due to Soccer’s elimination in semi-final loss to Argentina:

“He did everything right. I just had a feeling in the semi-final against Morgan Rogers that he was going to be involved in something special. That was it. The game itself was so demanding that we had to make changes because of the cramp and the flow of the game.

“Bukayo has shown he’s an important player; that’s never in doubt. I didn’t even know he scored a hat-trick. I lost the goalscorer overview.”

Bronze Medal Winners: “It was like four matches – here’s what happened. Crazy first half and chaotic second half. You’ll see what happens one day.

“We’ve been very tired and exhausted from the last few weeks. Huge admiration and respect for the mentality we’ve shown against all odds. Absolutely brilliant.

“I was afraid of the physical demands of the match because of the threat of France. They had a much shorter schedule; it was less demanding. They had one day more after the semi-final and less travel distance than us.

“That summed it up for us. We played in overtime, in the heat at altitude. I was worried physically. You could see it in the second half, all the hurdles and fatigue.

“But I was never worried about fatigue. This team has created something special. They showed it again.”

Saka: I want to act more

Asked if he could have played more in the tournament, Bukayo Saka to say BBC Sport:

“Of course, I would have liked to play more. But of course, this is not the time to talk about it. I try to speak my mind on the pitch. It’s done now. Move on.”

About her fitness: “Yes, I’m fit. I’m fit.”

The noise around Tuchel: “That’s part of the game. When you lose, there’s always noise. When you win, there’s always noise. How do you react to it and use it as fuel. We’ve got to finish strong today.”

England assistant Barry’s ’emotional’ half-time interview

England Assistant Head Coach Anthony Barry Speaking to BBC Sport at half-time:

“Honestly, there’s no disappointment (they didn’t put in that performance against Argentina). I’m a bit emotional, I can’t find the words for how proud I am of those players. We’re playing a game with broken hearts, 11 boys with broken hearts.

“I’ve seen them in the hotel in the last few days with a broken heart. They can produce performances that do England proud. The team spirit we’ve built over the last seven weeks.

“The naysayers will say it’s too late, but we still play against world-class opposition and I’m proud of the boys.”

How the 10-goal thriller unfolded…

3: England goal! Rice pounced on an errant pass to produce a stunning finish.

18: England goal! Rice becomes the supplier because his angle is controlled by Konsa

37: England goal! Saka turns away from Rashford’s one-on-one chances.

45+2: England goal! Saka collected Eze’s through-ball and scored low in the corner to give England a 4-0 half-time lead.

48: France goal! Mbappe pulled one back with a side-footed finish just minutes into the second half.

54: France goal! Mbappe set up Barcola, who hammered past Henderson at his near post.

66: France goal! Mbappe became the all-time leading World Cup scorer with a brilliant finish after a brilliant one-two with Ollis.

87: England goal! Saka scored from the spot after sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

90+6: France goal! Another twist as Dembele cuts to his left foot and curls into a corner.

90+8: England goal! Bellingham sealed the victory when he dribbled into the area and rounded defenders to finish from close range.