Declan Rice taking lessons from Rugby World Cup as England eye Euro 2024 glory
Declan Rice believes England’s rugby team can inspire their football equivalents. (John Walton/PA)
Declan Rice insists England will fear no-one at Euro 2024 and wants Gareth Southgate’s side to take inspiration from the Rugby World Cup.
England beat Italy 3-1 on Tuesday to seal their place at the finals in Germany next summer, where the 2020 runners-up will once again be among the favourites.
It will be 58 years since the men’s senior team lifted a major trophy but – after improved showings in recent tournaments under Southgate – Rice believes the hurt could finally come to an end.
“There is no need for fear,” he said.
“Even though we went out in the World Cup (quarter-finals), it was like we took another step in terms of the way we played against France.
“We lost in the final of the Euros. I think the main thing is that we are all getting a bit older, we are all getting a bit more mature. The group is performing amazing. By the time the Euros come, hopefully we’re all in a good moment.
“We can do big things. I think since the World Cup the reaction has been amazing in terms of the challenge with the group. The challenge to obviously qualify which we’ve done.
Rice believes England’s rugby stars can inspire the national football team (David Davies/PA)
“We have enough winners in the group and the mentality is amazing but it is down to us. We can talk about it as much as we can but we know as players it is now time to step up.
“We went to Naples and won in Italy for the first time in ages. We beat Italy at Wembley after they beat us at the last Euros. Big performances. We’re ready. Mentally.
“We were watching the rugby the other night and seeing how those top teams like South Africa, Ireland went out but they are the number
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