Declan Rice Confident England Are Closing In on Major Tournament Success After World Cup Third-Place Finish
England midfielder Declan Rice has expressed confidence that the Three Lions are edging closer to ending their long wait for major international silverware, insisting the team's third-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is another sign of steady progress.
Speaking after England secured the bronze medal with victory in the tournament's third-place play-off, Rice said the squad has continued to develop under pressure and believes it is only a matter of time before the nation wins a major trophy.
The Arsenal midfielder acknowledged the disappointment of falling short of the World Cup final but stressed that the players should take pride in another impressive tournament campaign. According to him, England have consistently challenged the world's best teams in recent years, demonstrating that they have what it takes to compete for football's biggest honours.
"We're getting closer," Rice said. "Obviously, we wanted to be in the final and compete for the World Cup, but finishing third shows how far this team has come. We've got a fantastic group of players, and we believe our time will come."
England's journey to the semi-finals featured a series of determined performances, with the team overcoming several difficult opponents before eventually being eliminated by Argentina. Despite the setback, Rice believes the experience gained during the tournament will help the squad in future competitions.
The 27-year-old praised the character and resilience shown by his teammates throughout the World Cup, highlighting the unity within the squad as one of the key reasons for England's continued success on the international stage.
"We've built something special over the last few years. Every tournament we've played, we've been competitive. The mentality in the dressing room is excellent, and everyone is hungry to keep improving," he added.
England's bronze-medal finish marks another strong showing following recent deep runs in major tournaments, reinforcing the belief that the Three Lions remain among the world's elite football nations. The squad has reached the latter stages of multiple international competitions, reflecting the progress made by a talented generation of players.
Rice also thanked England supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the tournament, saying the players were motivated by the passion shown by fans both in the stadiums and back home.
"We always feel the support from the fans, and we wanted to make them proud. Of course, we're disappointed not to have gone all the way, but we'll learn from this experience and come back even stronger," he said.
Football analysts have echoed Rice's optimism, pointing to England's blend of experienced stars and emerging young talents as a solid foundation for future success. With players such as Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice forming the core of the squad, many believe England will remain among the favourites for upcoming international tournaments.
As attention gradually shifts toward the UEFA European Championship and the next World Cup qualifying campaign, Rice insisted the team's ambition remains unchanged.
"We're not satisfied with third place. Our goal is to win trophies. This group believes we can achieve something special, and we'll continue working hard until we do."
England's latest World Cup campaign may have ended without lifting the coveted trophy, but Rice remains convinced that the progress made over recent years has brought the Three Lions closer than ever to ending their long wait for major international glory.