Fans have been left feeling pride, disbelief, and a sense of 'what if' after England’s "crazy" 6-4 World Cup bronze medal win over France.
The thrilling third-place playoff, played on Saturday (July 18) night, saw the Three Lions secure their highest World Cup finish since 1966.
But the match also left supporters wondering what could have been after falling short of the final.
England fans left with mixed emotions after "crazy" 6-4 win over France
Fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the Bronze Final, which featured a hat-trick from Bukayo Saka and goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, and substitute Jude Bellingham.
Many expressed pride in the team’s performance and their best result in decades.
One fan posted: "England you have made us all proud."
Another wrote: "Congratulations, England! A performance full of character and determination. Enjoy your well-deserved third place!"
A third supporter said: "For me, THIS match was the one true World Cup final. I’m so proud of you boys!"
For me, THIS match was the one true World Cup final. I’m so proud of you boys!!!!
— cgp8608 (@cgp0186) July 18, 2026
The match itself was described as nothing short of extraordinary by several viewers.
One fan commented: "One of the most astonishing and spirited games from England AND France I've ever seen. Incredible! And utterly outstanding entertainment!"
Another viewer commented: "Well. That France v England match was crazy. Argentina and Spain, over to you."
Football fans from outside England even took the opportunity to share their admiration.
One self-described Scottish and British supporter said: "I'm Scottish and British, I was wanting England to win the World Cup, however, thank you England and France for the best game of the tournament so far.
"Well done England for getting third place (Bronze). It grieves me to say, you're right, no Scot would get into that England team."
Not all feedback was positive, with some questioning why such a high-energy performance hadn’t come during the semi-final defeat to Argentina just days earlier.
One follower noted: "England beat France 6-4, they played well, why didn’t they play like that against Argentina?"
Another said: "You only win when there's nothing to take home."
With the World Cup now over for England, fans are looking ahead to the next major tournament - the UEFA European Football Championship (Euros) in 2028.
One person declared: "We’re winning Euro 2028."
Another added: "Better than nothing, England. Now win the Euros please."
We’re winning Euro 2028 🏴 pic.twitter.com/jeU1bq8PqB
— Football Park (@thefootballpark) July 18, 2026
England manager Thomas Tuchel says "there was a lot to be proud of"
England Manager Thomas Tuchel, who has faced heavy criticism after England's semi-final loss to Argentina, described the third-place finish as something to be proud of, despite falling short of their ultimate goal.
Tuchel said: "It is the first medal in 60 years, the best World Cup on foreign soil so I hope the players can be proud of that in some time.
"We are fiercely competitive, so we almost don’t allow ourselves to be proud with third place.
"Eighteen months ago we set the highest goal, the highest dream to chase.
"We were very, very ambitious with our dream to make it to the final and win the World Cup so it is very, very painful if you miss out.
"The pain will stay for away but will go away, the scar will stay.
"This is how it is in high level sport."
He continued: "You cannot worship this performance, this mentality today high enough.
"It was normal for us to show the mentality, normal for us to suffer.
"There was a lot to be proud of and still a part of us will not be fully happy because we had the highest ambition and that’s basically the situation."
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