THE FUSE

By Razeen Gutta

England signed off from the 2026 Fifa World Cup with fireworks, beating France 6-4 in Saturday’s bronze final to secure their best finish since winning the tournament 60 years ago.

Bukayo Saka was the star with a hat-trick, while Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham also scored in a chaotic 10-goal contest.

The Three Lions flew out of the blocks. Rice drove in from outside the box after three minutes, then turned provider as his corner was glanced home by Konsa on 18 minutes.

Marcus Rashford and Saka combined for the third on 37 minutes and Saka struck again in first-half stoppage time after a pass from Eberechi Eze to make it 4-0 at the break.

France responded after Didier Deschamps made four half-time changes.

Kylian Mbappe drilled in on 48 minutes, Bradley Barcola added a second six minutes later, and Mbappe finished a one-two with Michael Olise on 66 minutes to cut the deficit to one.

The goal was Mbappe’s 10th of the tournament and a record 22nd at World Cups.

England steadied late. Malo Gusto fouled Djed Spence and Saka converted the 87th-minute penalty for 5-3 and his third. Ousmane Dembele pulled one back, but Bellingham capped it with a quite remarkable solo goal in added time.

England finish third. France leave with pride, but no medal.

All eyes will now turn to Sunday’s final between Spain and defending champions Argentina. Kick off is at 9pm live on SuperSport.

Pictured above: England

Source: @england