Rice Declares England’s Current Squad ‘Best in a Long Time’ After World Cup Third Place

Declan Rice has asserted that the current England squad represents the best group of players the Three Lions have had “for a very long time,” following their hard-fought third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder’s comments came after England secured a dramatic 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off, a result that marks their best World Cup showing since their triumph in 1966.

Despite a disappointing semi-final exit to Argentina, Rice remains optimistic about the team’s future, stating that major tournament success is “close.” He acknowledged the criticism directed at manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactics but was quick to highlight the team’s collective effort and pride throughout the competition.

“I think we can be proud as a group – we are just gutted we lost in that semi-final,” Rice told BBC Sport. “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, “We’re so close, honestly. There’s been so much talk about this group over the last few years going out of tournaments. There’s been semi-final exits, quarter-finals, finals. I think we need to keep going. 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.”

Tuchel’s Future and Tactical Reflections

While the third-place finish is a notable achievement, questions persist regarding manager Thomas Tuchel’s ability to guide England to ultimate victory in major tournaments. Despite the backlash following the semi-final loss to Argentina, Tuchel appears likely to remain in charge for Euro 2028, which England will co-host.

Tuchel acknowledged the gap between England and the elite footballing nations but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bridge it. “We have the ability to close it, but they have the ability to open it up again,” he said. “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.”

Reflecting on the semi-final defeat, Tuchel stated, “Whatever happened in these 30 minutes against Argentina, or maybe 45 minutes in the second half against Argentina when we became too passive… whatever happened, why it happened, whatever happened in the last 10 minutes, we were close – but it’s my job to take decisions.” He admitted that the pain of missing out on the final will linger, describing it as a “scar we carry now.”

Player Perspectives

Captain Harry Kane, who was an unused substitute against France but scored six goals during the tournament, echoed Rice’s sentiments about the squad’s camaraderie. “One of the best England groups that I have ever been a part of,” Kane commented. “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. We had that bond and had so much belief in each other.”

Kane also reflected on Tuchel’s first major tournament as England manager, suggesting that the German has learned much from the campaign. “It is his first major tournament. I think he has learned a lot of the squad, the campaign, the travel and the games and what it takes – the pressure.”

Bukayo Saka, who scored a hat-trick in the third-place play-off against France, addressed the controversy surrounding his lack of involvement in the semi-final. “Of course, I would love to have played more but it’s too late to talk about that,” Saka said. “I try to do my talking on the pitch and it’s done now, move on. I’m fit.”

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Tournament | 2026 FIFA World Cup |
| England’s Finish | Third Place |
| Final Match Result | England 6-4 France |
| Key England Players Quoted | Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka |
| England Manager | Thomas Tuchel |

The outcome of the 2026 World Cup, while not the ultimate prize, provides a platform for England to build upon. The strong performances and evident team spirit, as highlighted by Rice and Kane, suggest that the squad is on an upward trajectory. However, the recurring theme of falling short against top opposition in crucial knockout matches remains a challenge that manager Thomas Tuchel must address to turn potential into silverware. The upcoming Euro 2028, co-hosted by England, will likely be seen as a significant opportunity to demonstrate progress.

Source: BBC Sport Football – Best England team for a long time? That’s a fact, says Rice (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4g34gjmyl7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)

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