Declan Rice disclosed that, prior to England’s Euro 2024 final matchup versus Spain, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wished him luck.
Rice has started every England game this summer after having an incredible rookie year with the Gunners, and he should continue to play for the team this weekend in Berlin.
The 25-year-old was included in England’s new-look leadership group ahead of the tournament, along with Kyle Walker and captain Harry Kane, having shown to be one of Gareth Southgate‘s most reliable squad members in recent years.
Along with Jordan Pickford, John Stones, and Walker, he is one of just four players who have participated in every minute of the Three Lions’ current season.
Three years ago, Rice was on the losing side in the European Championship final – and came off in the 74th minute – as England were beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley and the midfielder will be desperate to make amends in Sunday’s showpiece.
Facing the media ahead of the match, the former West Ham captain lifted the lid on the his chats with Arteta in the aftermath of England’s dramatic win over the Netherlands.
‘I spoke to Mikel, he’s been great,’ Rice told reporters.
We spoke on the phone for about ten minutes the other day.
That was great; talking to him was pleasant because I hadn’t spoken to him since the season’s conclusion.
And when we reached the final the other night, he texted me, “Vamos!”
Rice believes Arteta will be ‘split’ heading into the final given Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale are also in England’s squad,
‘I’m sure he’s going to be split because he’s Spanish but also he’s got boys in the squad who are obviously English as well,’ he added.
‘So it’s a tough one for him but he did wish me all the best so I was happy with that.’
Rice vowed to ‘run through brick walls’ to help ensure England bring their 58-year wait for a major trophy to an end in what is the nation’s first ever final on foreign soil.
‘In the first couple of games I was feeling more tired than I am now,’ Rice continued.
‘The adrenaline kicks in more as the games ramp up. You get that extra bit of energy, extra bit of fire.
‘On Sunday, all of us will run through brick walls, do anything to win this game.
‘Whether that’s in 90 minutes, 120, we’ll give it absolutely everything. That’s all we can ask of each other.’