England defeat France 6–4 in record-breaking World Cup third-place match

England secured their best World Cup result since 1966 by defeating France 6–4 in the highest-scoring third-place playoff in tournament history, with Bukayo Saka scoring a hat-trick and Jude Bellingham adding a late winner.

By Belfast Herald Sport1 min read

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England took a four-goal lead within the first 20 minutes of the third-place playoff, with Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa scoring early. Bukayo Saka then netted twice to establish a commanding half-time advantage.

France responded strongly after the break, pulling back three goals through Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola. Ousmane Dembele scored in stoppage time, but England held on after Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Jude Bellingham sealed the victory with a goal in the 98th minute, finishing the tournament with seven goals. England's performance marked their highest World Cup finish since 1966 and the first time they beat a higher-ranked nation in a World Cup match since 2002.