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England player ratings vs France as Bukayo Saka and 8/10 stars shine in World Cup thriller

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka scored a marvellous hat-trick in England's win over France(Image: Getty Images)

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England recorded their best finish at a World Cup since they won the tournament back in 1966 with a thrilling 6-4 win over France in the bronze final in Miami.

Bukayo Saka was the star, plundering a superb hat-trick as England sought to banish the pain of their heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina a few days earlier.

They made the perfect start through their captain for the night, Declan Rice, who unleashed a stunner past the stranded Mike Maignan in just the third minute. Ezri Konsa doubled that lead from a Rice corner 15 minutes later to put England in cruise control.

Then it was Saka's turn to get in the act, the Arsenal winger scoring twice in nine minutes to give England a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.

But France were in mood to surrender meekly in Didier Deschamps last game and threatened to completely turn things upside down with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice either side of a Bradley Barcola strike.

Saka restored England's two-goal cushion with a late penalty and while Ousmane Dembele score to set up a nervy finale, Jude Bellingham scored a stunning solo goal to ensure the Three Lions would clinch third place...

Here are Mirror Football's player ratings from Miami...

England player ratings

Good saves in the first half. Was up against target practice in the second half.

A real game of two halves. Solid first half, taken to the cleaners in the second half.

Scored from a Rice corner - a taste of things to come? - and defended well first half, not so good second.

This was a really good first half display. Quick, tenacious and defiant. Tried to keep defence solid.

A beautiful moment when he chased down Mbappe. Undone in the second half.

Declan Rice

Declan Rice scored and led by example with the captain's armband(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)

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Where has this version of Rice been hiding? Scored and provided an assist. Terrific first half.

Really good on the ball - brave, too - and epitomised what Tuchel wanted in terms of DNA.

This was Saka more like his usual self! Electric first half, was rewarded with a hat-trick.

On the brink of a move to Chelsea, this was a good audition in the middle. Strong and lively.

Looked more free and dangerous - and provided an assist for Saka. Subbed at half time.

Led the line well, held the ball up and showed he really can be an option at No9.

Substitutes

Agree with our expert? Rate the players below:

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