Bukayo Saka: “I don’t think anything can alleviate the pain we feel against Argentina”

England concluded their 2026 World Cup campaign with an unforgettable performance, securing the bronze medal by defeating France 6-4 in a thrilling match. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka was the standout player, netting a spectacular hat-trick and earning MVP honors. Despite the euphoria of the victory and achieving a podium finish, Saka did not hide the squad's lingering frustration from their agonizing semifinal defeat against Argentina.

"I don't think anything can alleviate the pain we felt the other night. That loss really hurts, I'll be honest. But yes, today was simply about being professionals, finishing strong," Saka confessed with complete sincerity after receiving his award. He acknowledged the deep emotional impact of the loss to Argentina, emphasizing that the team's focus shifted to professionalism and ending the tournament on a high note.

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I don't think anything can alleviate the pain we felt the other night. That loss really hurts, I'll be honest. But yes, today was simply about being professionals, finishing strong.

Saka indicated that the team intends to use this pain as "fuel" for future endeavors, with the Euro 2028 championship, to be held in Britain with its final in London, now appearing as the primary objective. Beyond the sting of missing out on the final, the victory against France holds immense statistical significance. It represents England's best World Cup result since their sole triumph in 1966, a fact that Saka acknowledged with pride.

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I was happy to play, just get more minutes and enjoy the last game of the World Cup. It only happens every four years and, yes, I'm happy for what I've contributed, it goes straight into the history books.

"I was happy to play, just get more minutes and enjoy the last game of the World Cup. It only happens every four years and, yes, I'm happy for what I've contributed, it goes straight into the history books," the player stated. The high-scoring match, which saw ten goals, broke historical records, becoming the highest-scoring World Cup game since Spain 1982. Saka described it as a "fun match," attributing the open, offensive play to reduced pressure compared to the knockout rounds and a different team lineup.

"In the semifinal, there is too much pressure. In this match, there was much less. Also, we fielded a different lineup, so there were many different factors and different performances," he concluded, capping a historic night for English football.

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In the semifinal, there is too much pressure. In this match, there was much less. Also, we fielded a different lineup, so there were many different factors and different performances.