Declan Rice has boldly stated that the current England team represents the best group the nation has seen in a long time, following their exhilarating 6-4 victory over France for the World Cup bronze medal. This achievement marks England's best finish since their 1966 World Cup triumph, and Rice believes that major tournament success is within reach.

Despite criticism of Thomas Tuchel's tactics after their semi-final loss to Argentina, Rice expressed pride in the team's performance. He remarked, "We’re tired of saying we’re proud of coming in semi-finals... to come third in this tournament is a real achievement."

Key points from Rice's reflections include:

• England has faced numerous semi-final and quarter-final exits in recent years.
• The team is close to winning, with small margins determining outcomes in matches.
• The players displayed genuine pride in their bronze medals during the ceremony in Miami.

Assistant manager Anthony Barry shared his emotional pride, stating, "I can’t find the words to describe how proud I am of these players. They’re playing a game with broken hearts."

Looking ahead, Tuchel is expected to remain as manager for Euro 2028, despite facing scrutiny. He acknowledged the need for improvement against elite teams but remains optimistic about bridging the gap.

Harry Kane, who scored six goals in the tournament, praised the team's unique bond and Tuchel's learning experience through this major competition. In contrast, Bukayo Saka, who had been an unused substitute against Argentina, showcased his readiness by scoring a hat-trick against France.

While England's campaign ended on a high note, its legacy will be evaluated as the team strives for future success.