'Nothing's guaranteed' - Declan Rice explains why he is concerned about chances of securing place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024 despite starring for Arsenal

The England and Arsenal star is concerned about securing a spot in the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024 as he claimed that every player needs to be at his very best if they want a place in Gareth Southgate's squad.

Rice also mentioned that the competition will be tougher this time compared to the 2022 World Cup team as the squad for the Euros will feature only 23 players compared to the World Cup's 26.

Southgate had earlier mentioned that he would only pick players in the Euro squad who will be a 100% fit ahead of the tournament unlike Euro 2020 - where he picked half-fit Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson and in the World Cup where Kyle Walker made it to the squad despite not being fully fit.

The manager also admitted that he generally prefers players who can operate in multiple roles.

Speaking to reporters in the pre-match press conference, the Gunners midfielder said, "It's always in our minds that when we go back to our club, Gareth is always attending games, Steve is always attending games and you need to be at your best. Nothing is guaranteed.

"Going into a major tournament, you need to be fit, you need to be ready and you need to be well prepared. Like he said, I think it is the shortest squad this time, whereas the World Cup it was a 26-man squad and obviously now it is a 23-man squad. You need to be at your best to get picked for that. So, I am sure the boys will do everything they can to be on the plane to Germany."

It remains to be seen if the former West Ham star will feature in England's starting lineup against North Macedonia in their final Euro 2024 qualifying game on Monday as Southgate expressed concern over 'dangerous' pitch condition at the National Arena Todor Proeski Stadium.

For Mikel Arteta's side, the star player will feature in their next Premier League game against Brentford on Saturday should he return fully fit.