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Bukayo Saka## Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick in England's World Cup third-place win over France
08:35, 19 Jul 2026Updated 08:42, 19 Jul 2026
England star Bukayo Saka revealed he was fit enough to play in the World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina after his hat-trick helped the Three Lions claim third place with a 6-4 win over France.
The winger was also taken aback by a question designed to lift the mood following their semi-final elimination, as England defeated France 6-4 on Saturday.
Kelly Sommers, the BBC's England correspondent, attempted to ease the sting of the semi-final loss to Argentina, with England salvaging third place through a breathtaking victory over the pre-tournament favourites. Saka, who played no part in Wednesday's stunning defeat to the defending champions, bagged a hat-trick in the 10-goal spectacle in Miami.
Saka was instrumental in Thomas Tuchel's side tearing France apart in the opening half, with their European opponents shell-shocked as the scoreline read 4-0 at the break. Kylian Mbappe then spearheaded a remarkable comeback, with the Golden Boot contender boosting his tally as his brace set up a nervy finish for England.
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Nevertheless, Jude Bellingham wrapped up the scoring with a stunning solo goal in stoppage time. Saka's treble proved decisive in England's victory, yet the heartbreak of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina continued to cast a long shadow.
The presenter said: "Well played today, I know you didn't want the bronze, but it's a medal at least."
Saka puffed his cheeks out, gave a wry smile and walked off with the pair exchanging pleasantries as he stepped away from the microphone. The 24-year-old entered the tournament as a fitness doubt after being pushed to his limits and playing through an injury as he helped Arsenal clinch the Premier League title.
The Bronze Match hat-trick hero could not conceal his frustration at being unable to make a greater contribution for the Three Lions, but reaffirmed his readiness ahead of the new top-flight campaign.
He said: "Of course I'd love to have played a bigger part but it's too late for that. I tried to do my talking on the pitch but it's time to move on. Yeah, I'm fit, I'm fit."
Following England's catastrophic loss to rivals Argentina, Tuchel found himself under mounting pressure regarding his future in the role. Prior to Saturday's victory, he was met with jeers inside the Miami Stadium after his image appeared on screens throughout the ground.
Saka declined to be drawn into the debate surrounding the England manager, who faced widespread calls for his dismissal after Argentina mounted a late comeback.
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He said: "I think it's just part of the game, when you win there will be noise and when you lose, it's about how you react to it and use it as fuel, we finished strong.
"We built and built across the tournament. We had some amazing results and in the end we fell short against Argentina. It hurts a lot to all of us and I'm sure it's the same to the fans back home but we have to hold out head high and focus on the next one."
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Bukayo Saka
Thomas Tuchel
England national team
World Cup