Saka hat-trick fires England to World Cup third place in 10-goal thriller vs France

The 10-goal spectacle eclipsed the previous record set when France defeated West Germany 6-3 at the 1958 World Cup.

Bukayo Saka was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick after being left on the bench throughout England's semi-final defeat to Argentina.

The winger completed his treble from the penalty spot in the 87th minute after Djed Spence was brought down by Malo Gusto.

England showed no lingering effects from their last-four disappointment, taking complete control before the interval. Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa struck inside the opening 20 minutes before Saka added two more goals to send the Three Lions into the break with a commanding 4-0 advantage.

France threatened to produce an extraordinary turnaround after the restart, scoring three consecutive goals while also squandering several clear chances to draw level. Kylian Mbappe found the net twice, with Bradley Barcola also scoring as the deficit was slashed.

Mbappe's brace saw him move ahead in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot and surpass Lionel Messi to become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.

Ousmane Dembele reduced the gap to 5-4 in the sixth minute of stoppage time, but Jude Bellingham immediately ended any hopes of a dramatic finish by scoring in the 98th minute.

Bellingham concluded the tournament with seven goals, the highest tally ever recorded by an England men's player at a single World Cup. England's victory also delivered their best men's World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966 and their finest result on foreign soil.

READ MORE: Springboks cruise past Wales as new faces shine in dominant Durban display