Saka hits World Cup hat-trick in 6-4 bronze win and declares himself fit for Arsenal

Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick as England beat France 6-4 in a high-scoring World Cup third-place match, securing the bronze medal. Afterwards the winger said he is fully fit and ready to return to Arsenal for the new season.

Saka struck twice before half-time and completed his treble with a stoppage-time penalty on his 56th England appearance. It was his first hat-trick for the national team since June 2023, and the match also marked the first time he played the full 90 minutes at this tournament.

Limited minutes, then a statement

The 24-year-old made only his third start in eight World Cup games and did not feature at all in England's semi-final defeat to Argentina. Asked whether he felt he deserved a bigger role, he said he would have liked to play more but that it was too late to revisit the decision, adding that he preferred to let his performances answer the question.

His workload had been a talking point during the tournament. Saka made 49 appearances for Arsenal last season while managing hamstring, hip and Achilles problems during the club's Premier League title-winning campaign. His response about being fit will be welcomed by Arsenal ahead of another demanding schedule.

Arsenal's title defence

Saka contributed seven goals and seven assists as Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's side will go into the 2026/27 season as one of the teams expected to challenge for the title again, with the fixture list already published.

• England beat France 6-4 to claim World Cup bronze
• Saka scored twice before the break and added a stoppage-time penalty
• It was his first England hat-trick since June 2023 and his first full 90 minutes of the tournament
• He started only three of England's eight matches and missed the semi-final against Argentina
• Saka recorded seven goals and seven assists in Arsenal's title-winning league season

Arsenal open their campaign at home against Championship winners Coventry City on Friday 21 August, before travelling to Aston Villa the following weekend and then hosting London rivals Chelsea. Chelsea, meanwhile, are set to sign Morgan Rogers from Villa in a British record £117million deal, with the forward due for a medical on Monday.