West Ham United’s Declan Rice did England proud as England finished as runners-up at the 2020 UEFA European Championship.
The Hammers’ central midfielder started as England were defeated by Italy on penalties following a thrilling, dramatic and heart-stopping 1-1 draw after extra-time at Wembley Stadium.
The Three Lions took the lead through Luke Shaw’s superbly taken goal within two minutes as England produced a superb first half performance.
Italy improved after half-time and levelled through Leonardo Bonucci’s close-range finish midway through the second half.
Rice produced a superb performance, winning a team-high six tackles and completing a team-high four dribbles in a fine display in the 73 minutes he was on the pitch before being replaced by Jordan Henderson.
The two sides played out a cagey 90 minutes, during which Rice was replaced by Liverpool’s Henderson, before trading blows during an extra 30 minutes short of clear-cut opportunities at both ends.
The final, which was played in front of a passionate capacity crowd at the Home of Football, was settled by a shootout.
And despite Jordan Pickford's heroics in saving from Claudio Belotti and Jorginho, Gianluigi Donarumma saved two England spot kicks and Marcus Rashford hit the post as Italy secured their second European title, winning the shootout 3-2.
Rice can hold his head high, having started all seven of England's matches as Gareth Southgate's squad reached the European Championship final for the first time in the Three Lions' history.
Everyone at West Ham United congratulates Declan on a fantastic tournament and looks forward to welcoming him back to Rush Green for the 2021/22 season.