Declan Rice is determined to help England go one better than the disappointment of Euro 2020 and says “there is one more in the legs” as they prepare to face Spain on Sunday.
England secured their place in the final thanks to Ollie Watkins’ dramatic late strike against the Netherlands on Wednesday night and have the chance to banish the memory of the Wembley defeat to Italy three years ago – a result that still “haunts” Rice.
The Arsenal midfielder has been an ever-present throughout Euro 2024 and knows one more big performance is required.
He said: “Seeing Italy lift that trophy will haunt me forever.
“We are now presented with another opportunity where we can write our own history. We are up against another top side who we have to massively respect.
“But we also have to enjoy these moments because in 15 or 20 years’ time when I look back, these are the nights I’ll remember.
“On the pitch we feel together and strong. There is one more in our legs to give it absolutely everything for the boys, for the fans and for this manager and we are so desperate to do this and bring some happiness to the country.”
Rest and recover, lads…
We’ve got a final to prepare for! 💪 pic.twitter.com/XVyih8U0rj
— England (@England) July 11, 2024
Rice hails teenager Mainoo
Rice has formed a strong midfield partnership with Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo after Southgate abandoned the Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment and ditched the brief flirtation with Conor Gallagher.
And the former West Ham man has been impressed with how the 19-year-old has adapted.
He added: “You can just see. You speak to him and just feel his calm presence that he has and what I like about him is that he is not scared to say it how it is.
“There was something towards the end when he gave me a pass between the lines and I got sold short for it.
“We had to sprint back and we had bit at each other but that is good because you need that relationship and at 19 I can’t imagine many saying that to older players and that’s what I love about him.
“That is what the lads love about him as well. He gets that respect, he has that leadership and the way he takes the ball and is comfortable.
“The conversations we’ve been having daily with each other and on the training pitch has brought us together and we have become a nice partnership.”
