England Aims To Emulate Lionesses' Success In Euro 2024 Final Against Spain

Declan Rice aims to draw inspiration from the Lionesses' European Championships triumph as England prepares to face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday. England's women's team secured their first major trophy at Euro 2022, defeating Germany 2-1 in extra time, marking the nation's first title since the men's 1966 World Cup victory.

The Three Lions came close to ending their trophy drought in the previous year but lost to Italy on penalties in the delayed Euro 2020 final. Now, having reached the final for two consecutive Euros, Rice is determined to build on the legacy created by the Lionesses. "Yeah, it would mean everything I think to win something for your country," Rice said.

Under Gareth Southgate's leadership, England has reached significant milestones. They made it to the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the World Cups in 2018 and 2022 respectively. Despite these achievements, Southgate faced criticism during early stages of tournaments due to lacklustre performances, especially in group stages.

"I can't speak highly enough of Gareth," Rice added. "I think he deserves it more than anyone. I think the England manager's job is probably one of the most scrutinised jobs in the world, but you look at what he's done for us in tournaments."

Southgate's ability to remain calm under pressure has been crucial for the team. "Obviously, after the group games it was tough, the boos, people chucking stuff on the pitch," Rice mentioned. "You have to see that, and you have to be calm in those moments."

Rice highlighted how Southgate's composure helped maintain team morale. "For him as the manager, he has to be calm and the way he still reacted with us after that, how calm he was, even though if he would have been feeling a different way, it still made us feel really calm."

Aiming for History

Rice emphasised their desire to make history and bring pride to their nation. "You know that's what we want now as a men's team; we want it," he said. "We want to win; we want to make the nation proud. We want to make the fans proud."

The midfielder also acknowledged their readiness for the challenge ahead. "So yeah, look, we're ready. But like I said, it's another game of football and may the best team win."

Building Confidence and Belief

The team's journey has fostered a sense of belief and confidence among players and fans alike. "And we always still had a vision and a belief that we could go and do special things," Rice noted.

"Now we're feeling that love, that confidence, and we can't thank everyone enough for that and, yeah, just keep with us one more game," he added.

Reflecting on what winning would mean for them, Rice said: "We saw when the women's team won it, what it meant to them and what it meant to the nation." He also mentioned his interactions with Arsenal squad members who still cherish their victory.

"I'm lucky enough now to see a lot of the girls who are in the Arsenal squad and to this day they still speak about it," Rice shared.

As England gears up for this crucial match against Spain on Sunday, they hope to create lasting memories for their supporters. "And hopefully we can do something special and give memories to you all forever," Rice concluded.