Declan Rice has revealed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sent him a good luck message ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.
On the back of an outstanding debut season with the Gunners, Rice has started all six of England’s matches this summer and is expected to continue his run in the side in Berlin this weekend.
The 25-year-old has established himself as one of Gareth Southgate’s most trusted squad members in recent years and was named in England’s new-look leadership group with captain Harry Kane and Kyle Walker ahead of the tournament.
He is also one of only four players to play every single minute of the Three Lions’ campaign thus far, along with Jordan Pickford, John Stones and Walker.
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.
