England recorded their best World Cup result since winning the tournament in 1966 with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the bronze final in Miami.
Bukayo Saka took center stage, scoring a stunning hat-trick as England looked to shake off the pain of their heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina just days earlier.
They got off to a perfect start with Declan Rice, their captain for the night, firing a stunning shot past a stranded Mike Maignan after just three minutes. Fifteen minutes later, Ezri Konsa doubled the lead from a Rice corner kick, putting England into cruise control.
Saka was in charge this time, with the Arsenal winger scoring twice in nine minutes to give England a commanding 4-0 lead at the end of the first half.
However, France looked like they were going to surrender meekly in Didier Deschamps’ last game, but Kylian Mbappé threatened to completely turn things around with two goals left and right from Bradley Barcola’s goal.
Saka restored England’s two-goal cushion with a late penalty and Ousmane Dembele set up a nervy finale with a goal, while Jude Bellingham’s stunning solo goal sealed the Three Lions’ third place.
Here are the Miami Mirror Football player ratings:
England player ratings
Dean Henderson 7
Good saves in the first half. In the second half, they practiced target practice.
Jarrell Quansah 7
A real game consisting of two halves. The first half was good, but the second half was taken over by the cleaners.
Ezri Konsa 8
Scored from the US corner – What’s next? -We defended well in the first half, but not so well in the second half.
Marc Gehi 8
This was a really good first half display. Quick, tenacious, rebellious. I tried to maintain my defense.
Jed Spence 7
It was a beautiful moment when Mbappe was cornered. It was canceled in the second half.
Declan Rice scores a goal and sets an example by wearing the captain’s armband (Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Declan Rice 8
Where is this version of Rice hiding? He scored and assisted. Great first half.
Eberechi Eze 7
He’s really good on the ball, he’s also brave and he embodies what Tuchel wanted in terms of his DNA.
Bukayozaka 9
Mr. Saka was close to his usual self! He scored a hat trick in the first half.
morgan rogers 7
With a move to Chelsea on the horizon, this was a good audition for the midfielder. Powerful and active.
marcus rashford 7
He looked freer and more dangerous and provided an assist for Saka. He came on as a substitute at halftime.
ivan tony 7
He led the line well, held the ball well and showed he can really be a number nine option.
substitute
Watkins against Rashford, 46 minutes, 5 minutes
To Bellingham, Eze, 79 minutes
Anderson, Tony, 79 minutes
Do you agree with our experts? Rate the players below:
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