Rice says England close to major trophy after World Cup bronze

England finished their World Cup campaign with a 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off in Miami, securing bronze and their best tournament finish since lifting the trophy in 1966. Declan Rice, who captained the side, said the result showed the strength of the current group.

Rice described the squad as the strongest England has had in a long time and argued that major-tournament success is close. He said the players were proud of third place but frustrated by their semi-final exit to Argentina, which followed criticism of Thomas Tuchel's tactics.

The bronze medal match was a 10-goal contest, and England led 4-0 at half-time. Assistant manager Anthony Barry told BBC One during the interval that he was emotional and praised the players' spirit, saying they had performed despite disappointment from the semi-final.

What it means

• England beat France 6-4 in Miami to take World Cup bronze.
• It is England's best World Cup finish since their 1966 title.
• Rice captained the team and said the squad is close to winning a major trophy.
• England lost their semi-final to Argentina, prompting scrutiny of Tuchel's decisions.

Rice said England must keep building rather than settle for near misses, pointing to previous semi-final, quarter-final and final exits. He framed the difference between winning and losing at the top level as a matter of small margins.

England's tournament ended with a podium presentation in front of travelling supporters. The result gives Tuchel a bronze medal at the tournament, though the semi-final defeat remains the central disappointment.