After England defeated Slovakia in the Euro 2024, Ian Wright singled out two players for praise, stating they “had to get flowers for this game.”

At the Euros, England had yet another lackluster performance and came dangerously close to elimination in the round of sixteen.

However, Jude Bellingham’s equalizer in the 95th minute spared Gareth Southgate‘s blushes and forced extra time, when Harry Kane scored the winning goal to advance the Three Lions to the quarterfinals.

Once more, hardly many players left Gelsenkirchen with much credit; Bellingham’s incredible bicycle kick was the main reason he was named player of the match.

But England and Arsenal icon Wright believes another star put in an ‘unbelievable’ performance which has been largely overlooked.

Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, he began: ‘Can I just say, Declan Rice’s game by numbers.

‘109 touches, 100% tackles won, 100% duels completed, 90% pass accuracy, 80 passes completed, seven out of seven long passes. The man had an unbelievable game.

‘An unbelievable game in a game where Jude and Harry will get the plaudits, but when you look at those numbers and stats, that’s how you are able to win that match.

‘Of course, Jude’s overhead kick was spectacular but these kind of numbers and what he’s doing would have disappeared into nothing if Jude doesn’t come up with this match winning ability that he has got.

‘Declan has got to get flowers for this game.’

Arsenal star Rice has endured a difficult Euros so far, partly because he’s had three different midfield partners in four games, but the 25-year-old put in his best performance on Sunday, despite later clashing with the Slovakia manager.

Wright was also keen to praise the efforts of late sub Ivan Toney who provided the assist for Kane’s winner.

“People will say, ‘He just headed it back,'” the former striker continued. Ivan Toney said, “This is there for somebody to head,” as he headed back into the area.

Proceed to head that. “He did not attempt to hit the target; instead, he went back to a location where someone could complete the shot, and that is precisely what transpired.”

Man has some help. proceeded to execute the impressive No. 9 performance. Hold on, commit fouls, and wreak havoc. After making a great impression off the bench in this, his first big tournament appearance, Toney is expected to make more appearances in the near future.

If things become tight during Saturday’s quarterfinal match against Switzerland, Southgate may call upon the Brentford striker once again.