England winger Bukayo Saka produced a sensational hat-trick to inspire the Three Lions to a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place play-off, earning the Man of the Match award.
The entertaining encounter in Miami saw England race into an early lead through Declan Rice in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage in the 18th minute.
Saka then took centre stage, scoring twice before halftime to give England a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.
France mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, with Kylian Mbappé netting twice and Bradley Barcola adding another goal to reduce the deficit.
With England under pressure, Saka calmly converted a penalty in the 87th minute to complete his hat-trick and restore his side’s cushion. Although Ousmane Dembélé scored late for France, Jude Bellingham sealed England’s 6-4 victory with a stoppage-time goal.
The victory secured the World Cup bronze medal for England, while Saka’s outstanding display earned him the official Man of the Match award.
Born in London to Nigerian parents of Yoruba heritage, Saka finished the tournament as England’s standout performer, contributing crucial goals and assists to help the Three Lions record their best World Cup finish on foreign soil in six decades.
