Declan Rice’s Crucial Role in England’s Penalty Shootout Win Against Switzerland Emerges
Declan Rice played a pivotal role in England’s victory over Switzerland in the Euro 2024 penalty shootout, despite not taking a penalty himself.
Luke Shaw emphasized the importance of Rice in that crucial moment, highlighting why the midfielder’s presence was indispensable.
England secured their spot in the semi-finals after a tense shootout in Düsseldorf, where Jordan Pickford’s early save set the tone.
Cole Palmer and subsequent shooters ensured England’s triumph, with jubilation erupting at the final whistle.
Although England’s performance had its lacklustre moments, Declan Rice’s contribution didn’t go unnoticed. He completed an impressive 93 out of 94 passes and topped the charts in tackles won during the game against Switzerland.
Discussing Rice’s role on The Rest is Football, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker praised his understated but effective performance.
Shearer noted, “Quietly, I thought Declan Rice did a really good job under the radar without being spectacular,” a sentiment echoed by Lineker, who highlighted Rice’s defensive contributions amidst England’s attacking prowess.
Teammate Luke Shaw provided insights into Rice’s influence during the penalty shootout, despite not taking a spot-kick himself. “Dec was our speaker, keeping everyone calm, encouraging breathing techniques, and fostering a positive mindset,” Shaw explained, emphasizing the necessity of Rice’s leadership in such high-pressure moments.
Shaw also credited Rice with assisting Pickford during Manuel Akanji’s missed penalty, mentioning how Rice’s guidance helped Pickford make a crucial save.
Declan Rice’s Crucial Role in England’s Penalty Shootout Win Against Switzerland Emerges
