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.
Great result tonight @England.
You’ve done us proud. https://t.co/kS6nQ51NxI
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 18, 2026
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.”
