Arsenal star Declan Rice blames England's Euro 2024 struggles on 'too much pressure'

England were disappointing in their draw against Denmark | Imago

Arsenal star Declan Rice blames England's Euro 2024 struggles on 'too much pressure'

Ayoola Kelechi 23:31 - 22.06.2024

The England midfielder belives the Three Lions are under too much pressure to perform

After a stuttering start to Euro 2024, England midfielder Declan Rice admitted that the players are feeling immense pressure to bring home the nation's first major trophy in 58 years.

Despite Gareth Southgate's team topping Group C with four points and having one foot in the knockout round ahead of Tuesday's game against Slovenia, they received scathing criticism after Thursday's 1-1 draw with Denmark.

England feeling the pressure

Speaking ahead of England’s final group game against Slovakia, Rice said, "We are all so desperate to win, to be leaders, to go out there and give people memories for lifetimes, and sometimes I maybe feel like we put too much pressure on ourselves where we could just go out there and let it just take care of ourselves," Rice said.

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The Arsenal player is part of an England side believed to be one of the most talented crops the country has ever produced and includes several of Europe's top names, such as Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, and Premier League player of the year Phil Foden and Rice believes this adds more pressure on the squad.

The Arsenal man added, "I think there is probably more pressure now from the outside just because of the seasons some of our players have had.”.

England looking for maiden European triumph

The Three Lions have never won the Euros despite regularly fielding strong teams at the tournament, and have not won a major trophy since lifting the World Cup on home soil in 1966.

Declan Rice models Arsenal’s new home shirt for the 2024/25 season | Adidas, Arsenal
Declan Rice models Arsenal’s new home shirt for the 2024/25 season | Adidas, Arsenal Declan Rice models Arsenal’s new home shirt for the 2024/25 season | Adidas, Arsenal

They came closest to winning the coveted Euros title in 2021, before losing the final in Wembley to Italy on penalties and will be hoping to go one step further in Germany.

England’s four points from two games should be enough to see them through to the next round, but they will be hoping for an improved performance in their final group match against Slovenia to get a win that helps them top their group.

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