Declan Rice 'haunted forever' by one moment of career
- England to face Spain in Euro 2024 final on Sunday
- Three Lions lost last Euros final to Italy following penalty shootout
- Declan Rice still hurt by defeat at Wembley
By Sean Walsh
Declan Rice is confident England know how to win this Sunday's Euro 2024 final with Spain, but admits their past failures will 'haunt me forever'.
The Three Lions have qualified for a second-successive European Championship final and are looking to make amends for their penalty shootout defeat to Italy at Euro 2020.
England have never won the men's European Championships and they are without a major trophy of any kind outside of their 1966 FIFA World Cup victory on home soil - Sunday's final will be their first not staged in their own country.
Speaking to The Times, Rice admitted England's defeat to Italy at Wembley has left a scar, but he and his teammates are determined to right that wrong.
"Look, seeing Italy lift that trophy will haunt me forever. We are now presented with another opportunity where we can write our own history. We are up against another top side who we have to massively respect but we also have to enjoy these moments because in 15 or 20 years' time when I look back, these are the nights I'll remember.
"We are just so desperate to do it. We know now what we have to do compared to last time in terms of how to control the game, not to sit back like we did in previous tournaments and when Italy came onto us.
"We know how we can win this final, which I think is a positive."
Rice further explained that England's switch to a back-five formation in their last two matches has been key to improved performances, crediting Gareth Southgate and insisting the squad want to bring home the glory for him.
"When we've sat back in we’ve felt solid," he continued. "On the pitch we feel together and strong. The improvement from the last Euros on the back five is that we're keeping the ball much better. You have players at club level that are used to taking the ball under pressure and playing in pockets, HK [Harry Kane] dropping deep suits us.
"It is suiting us. I don't know what the manager will do for the final, whether he sticks with the five or goes with the four. Obviously we look really strong with the five. It's poised to be a great final and another great night. We're back to back [in Euros finals] so hopefully now we can do it. Not only for each other but also for the manager. I think he deserves it."
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