England just posted their best World Cup finish in 60 years.
Jude Bellingham, the 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder who has become the face of English football’s new golden generation, called the third-place finish “higher than expected” and thanked fans for an “unforgettable summer.”
England’s best run since 1966
England secured third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their highest finish since winning the whole thing in 1966. For six decades, the country that invented the sport couldn’t crack the top three at its biggest tournament.
Bellingham was central to the turnaround under manager Thomas Tuchel. He scored in England’s opening 4-2 victory over Croatia on June 17, setting the tone for a campaign that saw the Three Lions navigate the knockout rounds before ultimately claiming bronze in a playoff match held in Miami.
