Starmer shares pride in England team after win over France seals third

Sir Keir Starmer congratulated England’s footballers after they wrapped up their World Cup campaign and his time as Prime Minister with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France.Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick with Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham also on target as England bounced back from their disappointment in losing to Argentina in the semi-final to clinch third place – their best World Cup finish outside winning the tournament in 1966.Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France in Miami as they threatened to wipe out a 4-0 half-time deficit, moving ahead of Lionel Messi to become the top scorer in the tournament and in World Cup history with 22 goals.Sir Keir, who will be replaced as Prime Minister by Andy Burnham on Monday, posted on X: “Great result tonight @England. You’ve done us proud.”Former England captain Sir David Beckham sent his congratulations in a series of posts on Instagram, saying: “Great way to end the tournament @England.”He also posted images of “hat-trick hero” Saka and Bellingham, who wrapped up the victory with an individual effort in the dying seconds.Bellingham’s seventh goal of the tournament made him England’s highest scorer in a single tournament.Governing body Fifa also congratulated England, posting a picture of the squad on the Instagram after they were presented with their bronze medals with the message: “Congratulations to @England, third place at @FIFAWorldCup 2026!“Their best finish since winning the tournament in 1966.”