(The Guardian) – England have finished third at the World Cup after beating France in a wild match they might have lost after being 4-0 up at half-time. France responded to get within a goal at 4-3, then made it 5-4 after Bukayo Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, before a brilliant individual effort by the substitute Jude Bellingham set the seal on a remarkable, thrilling encounter.

With the pressure lifted on both teams after their semi-final exits, they produced a highly entertaining match which could have ended with almost any number of goals as attack got the better of defence from start to finish.

England, who made seven changes, including starting Bellingham on the bench and leaving out Harry Kane, threw away a one-goal lead against Argentina and losing their advantage here would have been all the more extraordinary.