England’s Declan Rice fires Euro 2024 final warning to Spain: ‘We know how we can win’

Declan Rice is adamant England have learnt from their Euro 2020 loss and can down favourites Spain in this Sunday’s final despite their opposition being talked up

Declan Rice has talked up England’s chances of upsetting the odd in the final (
Image: GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

When Harry Kane leads his team out for Sunday’s historic occasion in Berlin, it will be the first time England have not started a Euro 2024 match as favourites to win it.

The expert comment will be heavily in Spain’s favour and there has been a narrative in Germany that victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side would be a triumph for the beautiful game.

But that does not worry Declan Rice. England’s indefatigable midfielder believes Gareth Southgate ’s men know exactly HOW they are going to surprise the swaggering Spanish. He believes England have learned from their Euro 2020 final loss.

“Compared to last time in terms of how to control the game, we know now what we have to do, not to sit back like we did in previous tournaments and when Italy came onto us,” says Rice. “We know how we can win this final. It is a game we believe we can win. There is one more in our legs.”

With England having a day less than Spain to recover from their huge semi-final exertions, Southgate is already a bit concerned about recovery. But Rice will be ready to go again, just as he went again after being at fault for the Holland breakthrough early on Wednesday night.

The Arsenal star explains: “I obviously knew I made the mistake for their goal but thought straight away about my own body language and being positive and looking at the clock, thinking there is a long way to go here and time for me to have an impact on the match.”

Like everyone else in a Three Lions shirt, Rice certainly had an impact as England then imposed themselves on the Dutch. And Rice highlights a better midfield balance as the key to the semi-final success and to the chances of lifting the trophy.

He says: “In the last two games we have spoken a lot about Switzerland and Netherlands and how they keep the ball but in those games we kept the ball as good, if not better.

Gareth Southgate believes Spain are the best team at Euro 2024 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
“We’ve passed the ball really well. I felt really good with Kobbie (Mainoo) in there, playing really close together. The back three has really helped, and Jude and Phil in the 10s has really helped as well. So it’s poised to be a great match. It’s a game of football at the end of the day.”

And it is clear Rice prefers the system that sees England operate with three central defenders and two wing-backs. He says: “The improvement from the last Euros on the back five is that we’re keeping the ball much better. You have players at club level that are used to taking the ball under pressure and playing in pockets, HK dropping deep suits us. It is suiting us.

“I don’t know what the manager will do for the final, whether he sticks with the five or goes with the four. Obviously we look really strong with the five.

“It’s poised to be a great final and another great night. We’re back to back so hopefully now we can do it. We will give it absolutely everything for the boys, for the fans and for this manager, because he deserves it. We are so desperate to do this and bring some happiness to the country.”

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