So special to be at the World Cup, says Rice
DECLAN Rice revealed he got goosebumps as England boss Gareth Southgate spoke to his squad before jetting out for the World Cup.
The West Ham United captain played a major role as the Three Lions reached the final of Euro 2020 last summer only to eventually lose on penalties to Italy.
England will be hoping to go one better in Qatar as they continue preparations for their Group B opener against Iran on Monday.
With the unprecedented decision to host a winter World Cup, it means that much of Southgate’s squad was in Premier League action last weekend, but Rice now feels ready to tackle the tournament.
“I think from the moment we got to St. George’s Park, that’s when it hit me that we are going to a World Cup,” he said.
“Because of the Premier League, there’s not been that chance to switch our mindset... when Gareth spoke, it was goosebumps stuff.
“This is a World Cup we’re going to, what a privilege. To finally be here is so special.”
Rice is keen for the action to get under way so he can truly appreciate playing in a World Cup and has been trying to take stock of the situation.
“It’s hard to find the words, I can’t explain it,” he said.
“There’s less than 250 people that have represented England at a World
Cup and I’m (going to be) one of them. It’s hard to explain what it actually means.
“I think when you play the games and you are on the pitch, that’s when I think I’ll be able to speak about it. It’s all a bit of a blur at the minute.
“Honestly, if you sat down with every player I think they’d say the same thing, you never know how far you can go in football.
“If you believe and push yourself then anything is possible and now we are on the biggest stage.”
■ Antoine Semenyo has scored his first goal for Ghana ahead of their World Cup campaign.
The Bristol City front man was introduced in the 62nd minute of their warm-up against Switzerland in Abu Dhabi yesterday, with the deadlock yet to be broken. It was just his third cap for his country.
Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu headed the Black Stars in front before Semenyo doubled Ghana’s lead 12 minutes after his introduction.
The 22-year-old sparked the move by using his strength to hold off his man before freeing Kamaldeen Sulemana on the left wing. The wide man surged into the area and his strike on the angle was saved by the goalkeeper, but fell into the path of Semenyo six yards out, and he maintained his composure.