Declan Rice and Mason Mount reminded each other of the importance to enjoy living their dream by appearing for England in a major tournament before Gareth Southgate’s team began their Euro 2020 campaign with a 1-0 win over Croatia at Wembley yesterday.
The West Ham and Chelsea midfielders did well on a difficult, sweltering afternoon in north west London to leave England in a strong position to reach the round of 16 ahead of Friday’s meeting with Scotland.
Rice sat deepest in a midfield three also featuring the outstanding Leeds player Kalvin Phillips and, speaking afterwards, described his first appearance on international football’s big stage alongside his best friend Mount as a moment that could not be scripted.
“It is special, very, very special,” Rice said. “We just said to each other to enjoy this moment. It might not ever come around again. We worked so hard together to get to where we wanted to be. For us to get called up, it is special and amazing. You couldn’t write it and I am buzzing.
“We knew we had to be at the top level. I would have backed myself a few years ago to go out and perform at a high level but maybe had some doubts.
"Fortunately, I’ve been able to do it. After the [club] season and performances that I have had with England recently I had full confidence to go out there and perform at a high standard."
England will face plenty of familiar faces when Scotland travel south in four days’ time knowing that a win would seal their progress to the round of 16. And while the Three Lions will be big favourites, the derby-like atmosphere is likely to make it a compelling night.
"The game on Friday will probably go down in our careers as one of the most memorable games you will ever play," Rice added. "We know the history with Scotland. We know the type of game it will be. After tonight, we will travel back and have a laugh amongst the lads and enjoy it. Then we want to focus on the Scotland game and repeat the same performance.
“They’ve got some top players who play in the Premier League. Che Adams, [John] McGinn and Scott [McTominay] in the middle are two warriors and Andy Robertson and [Kieran] Tierney at the back are great leaders and players.
"We are not going into it and say it is going to be easy because that will be wrong. They are going to come and be physical and we need to match that and do more. We need to be ready and we will be ready."
