It was the moment which delighted Albion fans at the end of England’s World Cup.
And it appears the sight of Jason Steele stepping up to the podium also caught the eye of fans and media around the world.
The Seagulls goalkeeper was watching from afar as England collected their bronze medals after a 6-4 win over France in the third place play-off.
He was then beckoned over by players and Jordan Henderson placed a medal over his head before skipper Harry Kane led the congratulations.
Steele remained on the stage, next to Three Lions No.1 Jordan Pickford, for the official third-place photo.
The BBC picked up quickly on the moment as England thanked Steele for the part he played as training goalkeeper before and during the World Cup.
But the moment was widely seen as an example of English team spirit.
Slovenia’s Nogomania said it was a “touching gesture” and reported: “Steele did not play a minute, sit on the substitutes’ bench or appear on England’s official list.
“Yet international tournaments also depend on coaches, medical staff, analysts and training players whose contributions never appear in match statistics.
“The England players decided that Steele belonged with them during the celebration.”
Foot Mercato in France hailed it as “a particularly moving moment, a sign of the solidarity and unity which marked the English changing room during this World Cup”.
Mexican football website Somos Invictos said it was a “beautiful gesture” and added: “The whole squad received him with applause. Jason’s smile said absolutely everything.”
Portuguese social media platform Mundo Dos Guardes Redes (World Of Goalkeepers) used a picture of smiling Henderson placing the medal over Steele’s head and wrote: “He will take with him an unforgettable conquest.
“The nation finished third and the group of players called him, breaking FIFA protocol, to present him with a medal – well deserved.”
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Asian platform Football Fans WD said the moment was “a heartwarming twist” and added: “Behind every medal, there are countless like Steele who work silently and sweat day after day to make the overall situation work out.”
Brazilian TikToker Arleif Agundes hailed “the gesture by England which became one of the most beautiful moments of the Cup.”
Steele will be the last of ten current Albion players to return from the World Cup.
That is in contrast to what happened two years ago, when he made what are so far his only Premier League appearances under Fabian Hurzeler.
Steele played in the first two games of the 2024-25 league season as Bart Verbruggen recovered from his efforts in helping Holland reach the semi-finals of that summer’s Euros.
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