England secured their best World Cup finish in 60 years with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off in Miami.
Stand-in captain Declan Rice was defiant and proud after the result, insisting the squad’s quality is undeniable to anyone watching closely.
“This is the best England group for a very long time. That’s a fact. No-one can take that away from us,” said Rice following the final whistle.
Rice acknowledged the bitter disappointment of the semi-final collapse against Argentina, but insisted England’s overall tournament performance deserves recognition and credit.
“We’re tired of saying we’re proud of coming in semi-finals and quarter-finals – we want to win with England ultimately. But to come third in this tournament is a real achievement,” he added.
The Arsenal midfielder remained optimistic about England’s long-term prospects, suggesting a major trophy is within this generation’s reach if they continue their current trajectory.
“I do think it’s close. It’s a game of small margins. It’s football and the other night we lost on margins and in the boxes,” Rice told reporters after the match.
Assistant manager Anthony Barry was visibly emotional during his half-time interview with BBC One, speaking when England were already 4-0 ahead against the French.
“I can’t find the words to describe how proud I am of these players. They’re playing a game with broken hearts. I see 11 lads on the field with broken hearts,” said Barry, with tears in his eyes and a shaking voice.
Barry praised the squad’s extraordinary team spirit throughout the seven-week tournament, acknowledging critics while standing firmly behind his players’ resilience and collective resolve.
“The team spirit over the last seven weeks has been a privilege to watch. I know what the cynics will say – ‘it’s too late’ – but we’re still playing against a world-class opponent,” he said.
Thomas Tuchel looks likely to remain as England manager ahead of Euro 2028, which England are co-hosting, despite widespread criticism of his tactical decisions against Argentina.
“I don’t think that we lost the trust. I don’t think I lost the trust,” Tuchel told the BBC when asked about his position following the semi-final defeat.
Tuchel admitted England remain behind the very best nations, but insisted the gap is manageable and that his squad has the tools necessary to close it.
“Eight years ago, France were the champions. Four years ago, they were in the final. There is a slight gap, but no problem. We want to close it,” he said.
Bukayo Saka, who was controversially left out of the semi-final entirely, responded emphatically by scoring a hat-trick against France in Saturday’s third-place match.
“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, move on. I’m fit,” Saka told BBC One.
Harry Kane, who scored six goals at this World Cup but was an unused substitute against France, backed both his teammates and his manager warmly after the tournament concluded.
“One of the best England groups that I have ever been a part of. When you see the boys around the hotel, when you see us training on the pitch, when you see us in the changing room, it is a unique group,” said Kane.
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy was critical of Tuchel on BBC One, arguing the manager’s tactical failures cost England a place in the World Cup final against Argentina.
“He will keep his job but I don’t think he should. He has failed. They are missing out on a World Cup final because of the tactics, they will be devastated,” Murphy said bluntly.
Former England defender Martin Keown echoed those sentiments, noting that Argentina would have been alarmed watching Saka and Marcus Rashford run riot against France with pace and power.
“Argentina will be watching thinking ‘thank goodness Saka didn’t come on at all and Rashford didn’t come on until late’. Because their pace is frightening,” said Keown.
