Football News: Declan Rice Proves Pivotal in England’s Euro 2024 Penalty Shootout Victory

In a crucial quarter-final clash at Euro 2024, Declan Rice’s off-the-pitch leadership proved instrumental in England’s penalty shootout triumph over Switzerland. Despite not taking a spot-kick himself, the Arsenal midfielder’s calming influence from the halfway line was lauded by teammate Luke Shaw.

“Dec was our speaker,” revealed the Manchester United left-back, who came off the bench for his first appearance of the tournament. “He was keeping everyone calm, calming everyone down, telling everyone to do their breathing techniques and manifest. It was needed.”

Rice’s steadying presence paid dividends, as Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold all confidently converted their penalties to secure a 5-3 shootout victory for the Three Lions.

Declan Rice’s Standout Performance

The 24-year-old has been a standout performer for England throughout their Euro 2024 campaign, starting all five matches so far. His assured performances in the No. 6 role have allowed midfield partner Kobbie Mainoo the freedom to roam forward, a system that former England striker Gary Lineker believes Rice is thriving in.

“I think he is under appreciated,” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast. “There are a lot of people going get Rice off, I don’t think they see the work that he does with his interceptions and all that. Could he improve his passing breaking the lines? Yes. But when you have Mainoo liking to go forward and Bellingham and [Phil] Foden you need that anchor.”

Preparing for the Semi-Final

With England now preparing to face the Netherlands in Wednesday’s semi-final, Declan Rice will once again be a pivotal figure as Gareth Southgate’s side look to secure a place in the final of Euro 2024.

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