Declan Rice vows to drink first ever pint if England beat Spain to win Euro 2024

Declan Rice has vowed to enjoy his first ever full pint if he manages to lift the Euro 2024 trophy for England in Berlin this Sunday.

The 25-year-old midfielder is hoping to sip on a celebratory beer as England look to put the lingering disappointment from their loss to Italy in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley three years ago.

Prior to that tournament, Rice had stated that he’d toast any triumph with a beer, despite never having consumed one before. “I remember that,” he chuckled.

“Since then, I’ve tried a beer but only mixed with lemonade. If we win, I’ll have a proper beer. I might need to hold my nose though, as I can’t stand the smell!”

When questioned about whether the painful memory of the penalty shootout against Italy would motivate the team in their upcoming match against Spain, he vowed: “Absolutely.

“Watching Italy hoist that trophy is something that will haunt me forever. Now, we have another chance to make our own history. It’s a Euro final and there’s a lot at stake, but hopefully, we can continue to rewrite history. 

“Prince William warned us at St George’s Park before the tournament began that it would be a rollercoaster ride and that this tournament is brutal. And it certainly has been, right from the start. Now, we find ourselves in yet another final.”

England’s place in the final was secured thanks to Ollie Watkins’ dramatic late goal against the Netherlands on Wednesday night.  

Before that was an extra-time victory over Slovakia set up by Jude Bellingham’s stunning last-minute equaliser which was followed by a thrilling penalty shootout win over Switzerland.

“You couldn’t write it,” exclaimed Rice. “To be part of it is so special. I know the final is going to be a really tough game and hopefully someone else can write some history into the books.”