Saka hat-trick seals bronze for England with win over France in World Cup third-place playoff

The match nobody wanted to play in became the match nobody wanted to end. England’s ‘bronze final’ – formerly known as the third-place play-off – against France descended into chaos with 10 goals, six of them for the Three Lions. And there could easily have been more. And it means England achieved their highest men’s World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966 – and their best-ever result on foreign soil.

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Argentina hit late double downing England to advance to World Cup final

England were left heartbroken with their World Cup dreams shattered as Argentina struck twice late on to come from behind and win a dramatic semi-final in Atlanta. Thomas Tuchel’s side looked on course to reach the final when Anthony Gordon gave them the lead in a feisty encounter after 55 minutes. Argentina, however, were inspired and turned the contest around when Enzo Fernandez struck a magnificent equaliser with five minutes left, before Lautaro Martinez headed in an injury-time winner from Lionel Messi’s right-foot cross.

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Superb Spain silence France to reach World Cup final

Spain are through to the World Cup final after surprising favourites France with a convincing semi-final victory at Dallas Stadium. Luis de la Fuente’s side blunted a France team brimming with attacking talent, controlled a game of few chances and will deservedly take their place in Sunday’s showpiece thanks to goals in either half from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. They will tackle either England or Argentina in their quest to clinch a second world title.

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Álvarez hits extra-time stunner to sink Switerland as Argentina progress

Julián Álvarez sent defending champion Argentina back to the World Cup semi-finals with a long-range strike in the 112th minute against Switzerland, while another goal by Lautaro Martínez with seconds left in extra time only served to make the 3-1 victory look a whole lot easier than it was Saturday night. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring from a corner helping La Albiceleste gut out another down-to-the-wire thriller and advance to play England on Wednesday in Atlanta.

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Bellingham brilliance sees England edge Norway to reach semi-finals

Jude Bellingham sent England into the World Cup semi-finals with two goals as the Three Lions overturned a 1-0 deficit to seal a 2-1 extra-time win and end Norway hopes of a first-ever last four appearance in the tournament. Andreas Schjelderup’s 36th minute opener was cancelled out by a Bellingham strike late in the first half and the Real Madrid star struck again early in extra time to decide the game.

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