Declan Rice insists he is ready to "run through a brick wall" to set England on course for Euro 2024 glory. The Arsenal midfielder has played every minute of England's campaign in Germany so far and will be a key factor in deciding the outcome of the final against Spain on Sunday (Monday AEST). Coming up against the likes of Pedri, Dani Olmo and Rodri, Rice will need to be at the top of his game alongside teenage midfield partner Kobbie Mainoo.
Rice has covered more distance than any other player throughout the tournament, and no one has recovered the ball more. Now he is ready to bring that same attitude to Berlin's Olympiastadion as Gareth Southgate's side aim for a first major men's trophy in 58 years. "The first couple of games, I was feeling more tired than I am now.
As the adrenalin kicked in more, as the games ramp up, it gives you that extra bit of energy, extra bit of fire," Rice said. "I think now, especially on Sunday, all of us will run through a brick wall to do anything to win this game - whether that's in 90 or 120 (minutes) - we'll give absolutely everything and that's all we can ask for." It is not just the effort and desire that Rice believes can see England over the line as he praised the way Southgate's side now operate in possession.
"I never feel like we get that love and that credit about how well we actually keep the ball," he said. "We have been doing that really well of late, even against Switzerland, we kept the ball really well in the final third. .