England legend Harry Kane couldn't help but reflect on Wednesday's heartbreaking defeat to Argentina when celebrating during a freak 6-4 win over France in the third-place game at the FIFA World Cup.
The highest-scoring third-place game in World Cup history saw England beat France 6-4 after leading by four goals at halftime. England's ruthless start led to France captain Kylian Mbappe laughing on the field, shocked by the scenes unfolding.
France and Mbappe issued a response, as his brace helped make the scoreline respectable and moved him clear of Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and all-time list. After Bukayo Saka scored England's fifth goal and completed his hat-trick, Kane was seen referencing Wednesday's exit.
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Saka scored a brace toward the end of the first half, and when England was awarded a penalty in the second, substitute Jude Bellingham handed him the ball. Saka converted in the bottom-right corner with four minutes remaining to put England up 5-3.
The goal meant Saka became just the fourth England player to score a World Cup hat-trick and also raised questions about Thomas Tuchel's decision to leave him on the bench against Argentina. In Saturday's third-place game, Kane was rested for Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney.
Kane, the England captain, still ran over to celebrate with Saka and congratulate him from the bench. He was then seen sending a message to his England teammates.
According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, via Covers, Kane was delighted with the performance but couldn't help but wonder why it didn't materialize against Argentina. "Alright. That was some great work. It's a shame we didn't play like this the other day," he said, per Hickling.
England suffered one of the most brutal defeats in the nation's history on Wednesday, as Argentina scored two late goals to win 2-1 and advance to the final. Anthony Gordon put England ahead after 55 minutes, and that lead lasted until the 85th minute.
As England attempted to hold out against Argentina to a 1-0 win, Enzo Fernández tied the game with a shot from the edge of the box. Messi then lofted a cross to Lautaro Martinez in injury time, who powered his header into the back of the net.
Dreams of a first World Cup final since 1966 were dashed within minutes, and suddenly England's run was over. It was also significant for Kane, who will be 36 when the next World Cup starts in 2030.
Kane's age and devastation led to questions about his potential international retirement, but the England captain dismissed them and looked to 39-year-old Messi as an inspiration. "It's too early to talk about that," Kane said.
"Me as a person, it's always about taking it year by year and how I feel. The national team is my pride and joy. It's what I love to do most, more than anything.
"Obviously, four years is a long way away. I'm 33 in the summer. But, as you see on the other end with Leo (Messi) there, he's still performing at the highest level.
"I never want to put a limit on these things. I'll address every situation as they come, but for now, it's about processing another tough loss with this team."