Declan Rice insists he will forever be “haunted” by watching Italy lift the European Championship but three years on is calling on England to write a new chapter when they face Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
A last-minute Ollie Watkins strike saw England come from behind to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in Dortmund on Wednesday night to set up back-to-back Euros finals.
Rice admitted fault for allowing Xavi Simons to fire the Dutch ahead early on but a contentious Harry Kane spot-kick drew England level before Watkins struck.
At Wembley in 2021 it was ultimately Italy who were left celebrating after beating Gareth Southgate’s side on penalties.
Rice, who started that game and has played every minute of England’s Euro 2024 campaign in Germany, knows there is a similar challenge to overcome this time but wants to go one better.
Asked if there was a sense of unfinished business from Euro 2020, Rice replied: “Yes, definitely. Look, 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. The improvement from the last Euros on the back five is that we’re keeping the ball much better.
“I obviously knew I made the mistake for the (Netherlands) goal but thought straight away about my own body language and being positive and thinking about the clock and thinking there is a long way to go here and time for me to have an impact on the match.
“It’s poised to be a great final and another great night. We’re back to back so hopefully now we can do it. Not only for each other but also for the manager. I think he deserves it.”
One of Spain’s main threats in Berlin will be 16-year-old Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has lit up the competition, including a fine goal in their semi-final win over France.
“I was trying to get a scholarship when I was 16 and you’ve got Yamal putting one in the top bins,” said Rice.
“At 16, what he is doing is another level as there is no way I was ready at 16. They have so many experienced heads and some fantastic midfield players. It is a game we believe we can win so it is poised to be a great final.
“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.”
Yamal will no doubt attract plenty of headlines but England have their own precocious talent in Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
The 19-year-old has started all three knockout games alongside Rice, who has been suitably impressed by his new partner.
“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,” added Arsenal’s £105million record signing.
“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.”
Speaking during Euro 2020, Rice revealed he had never had a beer, committing to having his first if England won against Italy.
Things have changed slightly since then but he still has the same promise in place.
“I remember that,” he said with a smile.
“Since that time I’ve had a beer but I had it with a bit of lemonade. If we win I’ll have a proper beer. I’ll probably have to hold my nose as I hate the smell. What a night.
“We’re in another final. We are so together. So buzzing for Ollie. Characters like that on the bench, I think you can see how much it means to everyone. It was such a big night and I’m just so happy.
“It’s poised to be a great match. It’s a game of football at the end of the day. It’s a Euro final and there’s a lot on the line but what will be will be and hopefully we can keep rewriting history.”
