Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice started for England on Sunday evening as they contested the Euro 2024 final against Spain.
For the second successive European Championship, England found themselves in the final. Having lost on penalties against Italy at Wembley in 2021, Gareth Southgate’s side were determined to get the job done in Berlin on this occasion.
Many had Spain down as the favourites heading into this clash, and certainly they had been the most impressive team in tournament up until the final.
It was an even, and cagey, first half between to two sides though. Arsenal star Declan Rice played an important role in protecting the England back line, offering a screen that Spain struggled to pass their way through.
Ahead of this match, Rice will have been principally concerned with the threat of Rodri. However, the Manchester City star was unable to make a telling impact before being withdrawn from the action at the break due to injury.
England were caught napping early in the second half though, as Arsenal transfer target Nico Williams fired Spain ahead. However, with 73 minutes on the clock, after good work by Bukayo Saka on the right, who fed the ball to Jude Bellingham, who in turn teed it up for Cole Palmer, England drew level.
Sadly, from an England perceptive, though, it was not to be for the Three Lions, as Mikel Oyarzabal grabbed a winner in the 86th minute.
Rice came close with a header in the dying minutes, but it was not enough to take the game to extra time.
Rice came under fire from the English media earlier in this tournament, and is unlikely to attract plaudits with his showing in the final.
England fans react to Arsenal star Declan Rice’s performance against Spain in Euro 2024 final
During the match and after the final whistle, unhappy England fans on X shared their thoughts on Rice’s display.
One supporter said: “Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Kyle Walker were so so so poor. I don’t want to hear the ‘we were unlikely’ Englands ‘best’ let them down.”
Another stated: “Declan Rice is the most overrated footballer in the world, by a huge margin too. Allergic to passing forward.”
One claimed: “Hall of shame performance by Declan Rice, my word. He bricked it every time he received the ball, and Southgate STILL takes Mainoo off instead.”
Another added: “Declan Rice is the definition of overhyped.”
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