England midfielder Declan Rice says the team represents “the best England group for a very long time” and believes it is close to ending the country’s wait for major glory. The comments come after England’s World Cup campaign concludes with the team not winning the trophy it targeted. In a third-place play-off in Miami, England secure their best finish at the tournament since winning the World Cup in 1966. The match ends 6-4 against France, described across coverage as a thrilling conclusion to England’s campaign. While the outcome means England return home without the title, the performance is framed as a major step forward for the squad. Rice’s assessment emphasizes the strength and promise of the current group, tying it to the 1966 team that last delivered World Cup success for England. Overall, the reporting focuses on England’s tournament finish, the high-scoring third-place victory over France, and Rice’s view that this squad is on the verge of reaching the next level.