Bukayo Saka scored a stunning hat-trick to lead England to a 6-4 victory over France in an epic World Cup third-place playoff. The match delivered non-stop drama as Thomas Tuchel's side raced to a 4-0 lead before Kylian Mbappé sparked a French comeback that fell just short.
England's Explosive First Half
England came out firing on all cylinders. Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box. Ezri Konsa doubled the lead with a header from a corner, leaving the French defense stunned.
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Bukayo Saka then took over the game. He scored twice before halftime, first with a clinical finish after a quick counterattack and then with a curled shot from the edge of the area. England went into the break with a commanding 4-0 lead.
Mbappé's Second-Half Comeback
France emerged with renewed energy in the second half. Kylian Mbappé began the comeback just minutes after the restart, slotting home a rebound from a free kick. Bradley Barcola then added a second for France, making the score 4-2.
Mbappé struck again in the 65th minute, scoring his second of the match to pull France within one goal. He became the first male player to reach double figures at a World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970.
Key Moments in the Comeback
| Minute | Event | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 46' | Mbappé scores from a rebound | 4-1 |
| 55' | Barcola finishes a cross | 4-2 |
| 65' | Mbappé curls in from distance | 4-3 |
| 78' | Saka converts a penalty | 5-3 |
| 85' | Bellingham scores off the bench | 6-3 |
| 90+2' | France pulls one back | 6-4 |
Saka and Bellingham Seal the Win
With France pressing for an equalizer, England needed a hero. Bukayo Saka stepped up once again, scoring a penalty in the 78th minute to complete his hat-trick. Jude Bellingham, who came off the bench, added a sixth goal for England with a composed finish in the 85th minute.
France managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was too little too late. England held on to secure third place at the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Key Takeaways
- Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick, cementing his status as England's star performer.
- Kylian Mbappé scored twice and became the first player since Gerd Müller to reach 10 World Cup goals in a single tournament.
- Thomas Tuchel's tactical changes in the second half helped England weather the French storm.
- England's 6-4 victory is the highest-scoring match in World Cup third-place playoff history.
What This Means for Both Teams
England's win provides a morale boost after their heartbreaking semi-final loss to Argentina. Thomas Tuchel, who signed a contract extension before the tournament, now sets his sights on Euro 2028 on home soil.
For France, this match marked the end of Didier Deschamps' 14-year tenure as head coach. Despite the loss, Mbappé's performance showed he remains one of the world's best players.
FAQ
Who scored the hat-trick for England?
Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick for England, including a penalty in the 78th minute to seal the win.
What was the final score of the England vs France match?
England won 6-4 in a high-scoring World Cup third-place playoff.
Did Kylian Mbappé break any records?
Yes, Kylian Mbappé became the first male player to score 10 goals at a single World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970.
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