BUKAYO SAKA was the hat-trick hero as England bagged the World Cup’s bronze medal – and immediately claimed he WAS fit enough to play a bigger role earlier in the tournament.

The Three Lions earned a thrilling 6-4 win over France in their third-place play-off, in what was without doubt the maddest game of the tournament. Saka, 24, stole the show as he followed up his first half double with a late penalty to complete a stunning treble.

But the Arsenal winger had been limited to just TWO starts before blowing France away.

And Saka was sensationally left on the bench for the whole 90 minutes – plus 12 minutes of second-half stoppage time – by England chief Thomas Tuchel during the heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina.

The whole nation assumed he must have been nursing an injury. But Saka revealed after the chaotic third-place play-off that he WAS healthy and was desperate to make more of an impact as the Three Lions chased glory.

Saka told BBC Sport: “Of course, I would love to have played more but it’s too late to talk about that.

“I try to do my talking on the pitch and it’s done now, so let’s move on. I’m fit.”

Tuchel has come under fire since England’s capitulation against Argentina ended their hopes of glory – with fans and pundits bemoaning the boss’ negative tactics and substitutions.

And Saka insisting he was fit as he sat on the bench watching England collapse will only fan the flames.

But Saka claimed it is important to take the positives from the World Cup instead of focusing on the semi-final defeat.

The Emirates Stadium favourite, who had Arsenal sweating on his fitness during the summer extravaganza, hit back: “I’d say we built and built across the tournament.

“We had some amazing results and in the end we fell short against Argentina.

“It hurts a lot for all of us. I’m sure it’s the same for the fans back home but we have to hold our heads high and move on.”

Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham also got their names on the scoresheet as England wrapped up their best World Cup finish since 1966.

But Saka insisted no one tried to snatch the penalty which would have denied him a hat-trick.

He added: “Jude was never taking it. He was the first one to say, ‘go and get your hat-trick’.

“He was just holding the ball for me so none of them came to distract me. I was always going to take it.” – Sun