The 2026 World Cup has now been over for nearly three months, and club seasons across Europe are well underway as we break for the first extended international break.

England came ever so close to reaching another major international final, but were denied the chance by a 2-1 loss to Argentina in Atlanta in the semi-finals.

It was still yet another historic run for the Three Lions, this time led by Thomas Tuchel, who was brought in by the FA to win those big matches and try to take England over the line and win their first trophy since 1966.

Depending on who you'd ask, this past summer was either another step forward for Tuchel and England, a step backwards, or not even a step in either direction at all.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, without too much surprise, was one of England's standouts from the tournament on the heels of a season where he missed a handful of matches through shoulder and hamstring injuries.

From his eight appearances for England at the World Cup, he tallied seven goals and one assist, which was enough for the midfielder to receive an individual accolade.

Why Did Jude Bellingham Win the World Cup Bronze Boot?

In the overall top scorers' standings from the World Cup, Bellingham's seven goals put him in third place behind Kylian Mbappe (10) and Lionel Messi (8), while he was level on seven goals with Norway and Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

However, Bellingham's one assist, which came for Harry Kane in the 2-0 group-stage win over Panama, gave him the nod over Haaland.

While he was officially awarded the Bronze Boot, Bellingham has revealed that he's only just now received the actual trophy from FIFA, months after the World Cup concluded.

The Real Madrid man also took to his JB5 app to post a picture of the Bronze Boot with the caption: "Bronze Boot from the World Cup...Didn't know it was a thing but thanks anyway."

While his comment seems slightly dismissive of the award, it's still an achievement to be incredibly proud of, especially since it came as part of England's best World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966.

The bronze medal certainly is a reminder of what could have been for the England players, but the Bronze Boot underlines just how important Bellingham is to the England team and he will be a key feature of Tuchel's setup as they embark on their Nations League campaign ahead of Euro 2028 qualifying.

Previous FIFA World Cup Bronze Boot Winners

Qatar 2022 - Olivier Giroud (France). 4 goals: Beat out Argentina's Julián Álvarez while tied on goals after playing fewer overall minutes.

Russia 2018 - Romelu Lukaku (Belgium). 4 goals, 1 assist.

Brazil 2014 - Neymar Jr (Brazil). 4 goals: Beat Argentina's Lionel Messi and the Netherlands' Robin van Persie while tied on goals, but having played fewer overall minutes.

South Africa 2010 - Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands). 5 goals, 1 assist.

Prior to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the awards were called the "Gold, Silver and Bronze Shoe".