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Declan Rice handed new England role as Gareth Southgate makes big call ahead of Euro 2024 opener
Declan Rice's leadership has been on display again for England after a strong season for Arsenal.
The Gunners midfielder is starting in England's midfield during their Euro 2024 Group C clash against Serbia on Sunday. It is Rice's 52nd cap for the Three Lions.
Rice played a key role in Arsenal's title charge in 2024/24, with his performances helping Mikel Arteta's side finish two points behind champions Manchester City. And now the 25-year-old will be looking to help England win just their second major international trophy as they seek Euro's glory in Germany.
Ahead of the fixture in Gelsenkirchen, Rice made his feelings clear about the tournament when asked by UEFA ahead of kick-off.
"Pure excitement. You see us walking in and the atmosphere inside the stadium; it is hard to stay calm and channel your emotions because it's such a big game," he said.
"Preparation has been amazing, and there is only one thing on the mind tonight, and that is to win."
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On being in England's leadership group, he added: "I have always wanted to be a leader when I was young. I got to be captain at West Ham and being in this leadership group is amazing."
Rice is the fifth fastest England player to 50 caps after Raheem Sterling, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Marcus Rashford.
Speaking after the defeat to Iceland, he said: "There's no doubt our quality on the ball against teams that sit in like that, it's about being more mentally switched on.
"We were a bit exposed with our press and not as compact as we usually are. Every game is another chance to get better and we're going to be more than ready for Serbia."
