Mikel Arteta’s one-word text message to Declan Rice ahead of Euro 2024 final

Declan Rice is all fired up and ready to “run through a brick wall” for England’s Euro 2024 ambitions.

The Arsenal ace has been an ever-present force in England‘s journey in Germany, gearing up to be pivotal in the final showdown with Spain on Sunday. Facing off against Spanish midfield maestros like Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Rodri, Rice and his young midfield cohort Kobbie Mainoo will have to bring their A-game.

With more ground covered than any other player at the tournament and topping the charts for ball recoveries, Rice‘s £105million valuation seems justified. As England chase their first major men’s silverware in nearly six decades, Rice is ready to channel that relentless energy into victory at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

“The first couple of games, I was feeling more tired than I am now. As the adrenaline kicked in more, as the games ramp up, it gives you that extra bit of energy, extra bit of fire,” Rice said.

“I think now. especially on Sunday, all of us will run through a brick wall to do anything to win this game whether that’s in 90 or 120 (minutes) we’ll give absolutely everything and that’s all we can ask for.”

But it’s not just about grit and determination; Rice also highlights England’s prowess in possession under Southgate’s guidance. “I never feel like we get that love and that credit about how well we actually keep the ball,” he added.

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“Against Spain, it is going to be needed. We’re going to need to take touches, take the sting out of the game because Spain if you look over the years are the kings of killing football matches and passing the ball so we need to use all our experience and everything we’ve got to try and control.”

Rice joined the Gunners from West Ham last summer for a club-record fee and speaks highly of the guidance he’s received from Arteta, revealing a jovial allegiance dilemma for his boss ahead of a pivotal game: “I’ve spoken to Mikel. He’s been great,” Rice said.

“We had a phone call the other day. We were speaking for about 10 minutes. That was good. It was nice to speak to him, I haven’t spoken to him since the end of the season.

“Then he texted me the other night saying ‘Vamos’ when we got to the final. I’m sure he’s going to be split obviously because he’s Spanish but also he’s got boys in the squad who are English. It’s a tough one for him but he did wish me all the best so I was happy with that.”

Amidst the pressure to lift a men’s trophy after nearly 60 years, Rice reflects on the painful near-miss at the previous European championships. “In terms of Euro 2020, it hurt. It still hurts to this day,” he admitted.

“Seeing Italy walk up to our home stadium and lift that trophy is something that lives with you as a football player. But the beauty of football is you get chances to create new memories. We have that chance now on Sunday. We know it’s going to be tough.”

“Whatever formation Gareth chooses to go with in this final, I think we’re all really confident that we can improve on the last final and show that we have learned what’s needed to win a final.”