‘Haunted’ Rice out to rewrite history in second Euro final
Declan Rice insists he will forever be "haunted" by watching Italy lift the European Championship but three years on is calling on England to write a new chapter.
A last-minute Ollie Watkins strike saw England come from behind to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in Dortmund on Wednesday to set up backto-back Euros finals, this time against Spain in Berlin on Sunday.
Rice admitted fault for allowing Xavi Simons to fire the Dutch ahead early on but a contentious Harry Kane spot-kick drew England level before Watkins struck.
At Wembley in 2021 it was ultimately Italy who were left celebrating after beating Gareth Southgate's side on penalties.
Rice, who started that game and has played every minute of England's Euro 2024 campaign in Germany, knows there is a similar challenge to overcome this time but wants to go one better.
Asked if there was a sense of unfinished business from Euro 2020 , Rice replied:
"Yes, definitely. 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.
"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.
"I obviously knew I made the mistake for the (Netherlands) goal but thought straight away about my own body language and being positive and thinking about the clock and thinking there is a long way to go here.
"It's poised to be a great final and another great night. We're back to back so hopefully now we can do it. Not only for each other but also for the manager. He deserves it."
One of Spain's main threats will be 16-year-old
Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has lit up the competition, including a stunning goal in their semifinal win over France .
"I was trying to get a scholarship when I was 16 and you've got Yamal putting one in the top bins," said Rice.
"At 16, what he is doing is another level as there is no way I was ready at 16. They have so many experienced heads and some fantastic midfielders.
"It is a game we believe we can win so it is poised to be a great final.
"There is one more in our legs to give it absolutely