Best England team for a long time? That's a fact, says Rice

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Best England team for a long time? That's a fact, says RiceImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Declan Rice captained England in their 6-4 win over France in MiamiByEmma SmithBBC Sport journalistPublished3 hours ago"This is the best England group for a very long time. No-one can take that away from us.

"England's thrilling 6-4 win against France secured the Three Lions a World Cup bronze medal - their best finish since they won the trophy in 1966 - and left Declan Rice adamant major tournament success is "close". Despite the criticism of Thomas Tuchel's tactics since their painful semi-final collapse against Argentina, stand-in captain Rice was quick to praise England's efforts at the tournament. He added: "I think we can be proud as a group - we are just gutted we lost in that semi-final.

The Details

"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. "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.

What Experts Say

"England's best World Cup for 60 years - but how should it be judged? Published5 hours agoOne of World Cup's all-time classics - England stun France in thriller Defiant Tuchel defends decisions and says loss is 'scar we carry now' Published1 day ago'They're playing a game with broken hearts' Figure caption, England beat France in 10-goal thriller to win third-place play-offBut what will it take to move England to the top of the podium at a major tournament? The old chestnut of the England team not wanting it enough, not having enough pride or passion, cannot be seen here.

The players were clearly delighted with their bronze medals, collected on a podium in Miami then proudly paraded for the travelling fans. Behind the squad's pride are raw emotions, which were bared by assistant manager Anthony Barry during his half-time interview with One on Saturday night - conducted when England were 4-0 up. "There's no frustration.

I'm a little bit emotional," said Barry, with tears in his eyes and a shaking voice. "I can't find the words to describe how proud I am of these players. They're playing a game with broken hearts.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.