England must use 'noise' as 'fuel' for future success, says Bukayo Saka after hat-trick in World Cup third-place play-off victory over France

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England's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign might have ended on a positive note, but following their disappointing semi-final exit, Bukayo Saka said The Three Lions need to use the "noise" around the team as "fuel" for future success.

'Incredible achievement' - Saka on hat-trick against France

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Saka scored a hat-trick as England beat France 6-4 in a thrilling third-place play-off on Saturday in Miami, sealing the team's best finish at a World Cup since winning the tournament in 1966.

Although they go home with a medal, it comes days after England's dramatic defeat to Argentina in the final four, a result which led to much soul-searching and questions directed towards manager Thomas Tuchel.

But Saka - who became just the second England player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup knockout match after Sir Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final, per Opta - believes that criticism can spur the team on to further heights.

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"It's part of the game," the 24-year-old told the BBC when asked about the condemnation of the team's performance against Argentina.

"When you lose, there's always going to be noise. When you win, there's always going to be noise. It's how you react to it and use it as fuel. Today we had to finish strong."

Declan Rice had opened the scoring for England, before Ezri Konsa and a brace from Saka gave Tuchel's side a four-goal lead heading into half-time.

But France - beaten finalists four years ago in Qatar - roared back after the break, with a double from Kylian Mbappe and one from Bradley Barcola setting up a nervy finish.

As time ticked away, there was to be no repeat of England's late collapse against Argentina though, with Saka completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Djed Spence was felled in the box and Jude Bellingham wrapping up victory in the dying moments, just two minutes after Ousmane Dembele had scored France's fourth.

Afterwards, Saka called the 'bronze final' a "crazy, crazy game", while expressing excitement for future tournaments.

"We built and built across the tournament, had some amazing results," he said. "We fell short against Argentina and it hurts a lot for all of us.

'Talking doesn't get you wins' - Tuchel calls for less 'drama' around England

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"I'm sure it's the same for the fans back home. But we move on and focus on the next one."

'This team has created something very special'

For Tuchel, this was a particularly important result as it went some way towards banishing the demons from the Argentina game.

The nature of England's exit from this tournament led to concerns that Tuchel might not be the man for the job going forward. But with the UEFA Nations League campaign beginning in September, a bronze medal allows the German to look ahead with renewed optimism.

And while England are still searching for that signtaure knockout win in a major tournament against a top side, Tuchel is confident his team have "the ability to close" the gap between them and the winning nations.

"Eight years ago they [France] were the champions. Four years ago they were in the final," Tuchel told the BBC. "There is a slight gap, but no problem. We want to close it.

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"I said yesterday today is the first step to closing it. We did it. We beat them. The next one will be Spain in the Nations League.

"To see a team fight like this gives you energy. The tiredness will come after. We will still feel the pain when tomorrow is the final. This will take a while, but overall it gives me more energy than it takes from me."

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