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Declan Rice calmed everyone down and reminded them of important technique during the heat of the penalty shootout
In England's thrilling journey to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, Declan Rice emerged as an unsung hero during their dramatic penalty shootout triumph over Switzerland.
Despite not taking a spot kick himself, Rice played a crucial role behind the scenes, offering vital support and composure to his teammates during a tense and decisive moment.
The Arsenal midfielder, who played the entirety of the match that ended 1-1 after extra time, demonstrated his leadership from the halfway line as England's penalty takers lined up.
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Luke Shaw, Rice's teammate, revealed the pivotal role Rice played in keeping the team calm and focused. "Dec was our speaker who was keeping everyone calm, calming everyone down, telling everyone to do their breathing techniques and manifest it," Shaw disclosed.
Rice's experience and demeanour proved invaluable as England navigated the pressure-packed shootout. His ability to maintain clarity and guide his teammates through intense moments underscored his importance beyond his on-field contributions. Despite not being directly involved in the penalty kicks, Rice's influence was felt profoundly, contributing to the team's collective mindset and approach.
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Moreover, Rice's past experience in high-stakes situations, including scoring in a crucial Champions League shootout for Arsenal, added to his credibility as a calming presence on the pitch. His role exemplified the teamwork and support structure crucial to England's success under manager Gareth Southgate.
Reflecting on the team dynamic during the shootout, Shaw also highlighted the assistance provided by Kyle Walker, another non-taker who offered strategic guidance. "I could see Walks was pointing to his left. Walks was pointing to that side and it gave him extra help," Shaw mentioned, illustrating the collaborative effort among teammates to achieve victory.
England's ability to convert all five penalties, coupled with Jordan Pickford's crucial save, sealed their place in the semi-finals where they will face the Netherlands. Southgate praised his team's resilience and adaptability, emphasizing their ability to overcome challenges throughout the tournament.
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As England prepares for their upcoming semi-final clash, Rice's role as the unsung hero behind the penalty shootout victory serves as a testament to the collective strength and unity within the squad. His leadership and support, despite not taking a spot kick himself, epitomized the team spirit that has propelled England to the brink of European Championship glory.
With the semi-final against the Netherlands looming large, Rice's contributions both on and off the pitch will continue to be pivotal as England seeks to achieve historic success in Euro 2024.
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