Five reasons for England to be cheerful despite World Cup exit

What the report says

BBC Sport’s Katharine Sharpe reported that England’s World Cup semi-final defeat has renewed familiar frustration after several near misses, including European Championship final losses in 2021 and 2024 and a 2018 World Cup semi-final exit. But the analysis argued there are still reasons for confidence, with England having now reached a semi-final or final in four of the past five major tournaments — a sharp improvement on the years before 2018.

The report highlighted Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham as central to England’s run. Both have six goals at the tournament before the third-place match, with Kane scoring twice against Croatia and later helping England avoid an early knockout against DR Congo, while Bellingham’s two goals against Norway sent the team into the semi-finals. BBC Sport noted that either could still challenge Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, who are listed as joint leaders on eight goals, for the Golden Boot.

England’s adaptability was another theme. The squad dealt with difficult conditions across the tournament, including heat, humidity, rain, lightning and the altitude and atmosphere at Mexico’s Azteca Stadium, where England beat Mexico 3-2. BBC Sport also pointed to less-heralded players such as Djed Spence, praised for defensive performances after a squad selection by manager Thomas Tuchel that omitted names including Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Looking ahead, the article said younger players could help refresh the side, naming Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman as future prospects while noting that Bellingham, Elliot Anderson, Jarell Quansah, Morgan Rogers and James Trafford are still 23. England next face France in the third-place play-off in Miami, before the Nations League and Euro 2028 on home soil.