Bukayo Saka left an interview with the BBC after England’s 6-4 win over France
Bukayo Saka did not want to answer the BBC’s final questions after scoring his hat-trick. (Image: BBC Sport)
Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka was speechless as he left a BBC interview after leading the Three Lions to third place at the World Cup. The winger was stunned by the question as he tried to lighten his mood after being eliminated in the semi-finals as England beat France 6-4 on Saturday.
Kelly Somers, the station’s England correspondent, tried to soften the blow of losing to Argentina in the semi-finals, but managed to secure third place with a thrilling victory over the pre-tournament favorites. Saka did not play in Wednesday’s shock loss to the defending champions, but he did score a hat trick in a thrilling 10-goal game in Miami.
Saka played a pivotal role as Thomas Tuchel’s side made France struggle in the first half, with their European rivals stunned by a 4-0 half-time scoreline. Kylian Mbappé stole the march for the Golden Boot chasers in that race and provided the impetus for the fightback when his double caused a nervy ending for England.
However, in stoppage time of the second half, Jude Bellingham scored the winning goal with a wonderful individual goal. Saka’s three goals contributed significantly to England’s victory, but the disappointment of losing to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday still lingered.
The host said, “You played well today. I know you didn’t want a bronze medal, but at least it’s a medal.”
Saka puffed out his cheeks and smiled bitterly, and the two of them walked away from the microphone, exchanging pleasantries as they left.
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The 24-year-old went into the tournament with concerns about his fitness after being pushed to his limits while helping Arsenal win the Premier League and playing through injury. The hat-trick hero of the Bronze match couldn’t help but express his disappointment at not being able to help the Three Lions, but reiterated his fitness ahead of the return of the top-flight campaign.
“Of course I wanted to play a bigger role, but it was too late for that. I tried to live up to my word on the pitch, but it’s time to take the next step. Yes, I’m healthy, I’m healthy.”
Tuchel faced increasing pressure over his position after England’s disastrous defeat to rivals Argentina. Before Saturday’s victory, his face was shown on screens around Miami Stadium and he was booed.
Bukayo Saka was a hat-trick hero for England as they finished third at the 2026 World Cup. (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Saka refused to comment on the criticism surrounding the England manager, who has faced calls for his sacking following Argentina’s delayed return.
He said: “I think it’s part of the game. When you win there’s going to be some noise and when you lose it’s about how you react to that and use it as fuel. We had a strong result.”
“We’ve been building throughout the tournament. We had some great results, but in the end we weren’t as good as we were against Argentina. It’s very painful for all of us, and I’m sure it’s the same for the fans back home, but we have to keep our spirits high and focus on the next game.”
