After England’s bruising semi-final exit in which Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions and system after taking the lead were heavily criticised, the manager decided to make seven changes – including Kane and Bellingham being left out while Saka, who has struggled with his fitness all tournament, was given a start.
Victory came with a performance that was refreshing and enjoyable in the first half – and in the second, albeit with a few more nerves and flaws – while at the same time being deeply frustrating.
England fans will wonder where this attacking intent was against Argentina, particularly given the impressive display of Saka – who had a goal disallowed for offside and generally ran the show from the right wing even before his hat-trick.
His emphatic performance here begs the question of why he did not come on in the semi-final.
While Tuchel opted to make defensive changes against the Argentines there was nothing of the sort here – albeit in a game with much less pressure.
England ultimately prevailed in one of the most bizarre yet entertaining matches they have featured in at a major tournament.
This game had 38 shots (including 20 on target) and no England match at a World Cup has featured more goals.