England awards training goalkeeper Jason Steele bronze medal

England's players secured third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 6-4 victory over France in Miami on Saturday, July 18, but the bronze medal ceremony was briefly halted by a spontaneous gesture of squad unity. The team insisted that reserve goalkeeper Jason Steele, who was not part of the official 26-man tournament roster, join them on the podium to receive a medal.

During the presentation, Steele was initially left on the periphery as FIFA officials distributed medals to the registered players. Teammates including Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, and Jordan Henderson quickly noticed his absence, waved him forward, and guided him to the podium. Henderson then placed a medal around Steele's neck as the squad applauded, a moment captured in pitchside footage that underscored the group's collective spirit.

The 35-year-old Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper had been a constant presence throughout England's campaign in the United States and Mexico, serving as a training goalkeeper. He received his first senior call-up in March 2026 and was retained by manager Thomas Tuchel to work daily with the selected goalkeepers, simulating opponents and helping with preparation...