Declan Rice vows to end lifelong sobriety if England win Euro 2024 final against Spain following Wembley heartache three years prior

The Arsenal midfielder made a similar pledge before the Euro 2020 final against Italy but had to stop short of fulfilling it as the Three Lions suffered a heart-wrenching defeat in a penalty shootout. However, after a stellar performance from the entire unit against a sturdy Netherlands side in the semi-final, Rice believes things will likely end differently this year.

“I remember saying that before the last final," Rice told reporters.

"Since then, I’ve had a beer, but I had it with a bit of lemonade! If we win, I’ll have a proper beer. I’ll probably have to hold my nose, as I hate the smell!”

The journey to the final has been anything but smooth for England. The team faced intense scrutiny for their lacklustre group stage performances but somehow managed to find that individual inspiration to get over the line on each occasion. From Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick to the nail-biting penalty shootout against Switzerland, there is little doubt that the tournament has tested the team’s mettle.

"When Prince William came into St George’s Park, he said it would be a rollercoaster and that this tournament is brutal," said Rice.

"That’s what it’s been from the first minute. It started with Jude’s (Bellingham) overhead kick and then the pens (versus Switzerland) and Holland was a completely different challenge. Now we’re in another final. We are so together. What a night (on Wednesday). It was so emotional and meant everything. I’ve been in this position before and it feels just as good."

Rice admitted that the memory of Italy lifting the trophy at Wembley continues to haunt him. “Seeing Italy lift that trophy will haunt me forever,” he confessed.

This lingering sense of unfinished business serves as a powerful motivator for Rice and his teammates as they prepare to face Spain.

"We are now presented with another opportunity where we can write our own history," he said. "We are just so desperate to do it. Not only for each other but also for the manager. I think he deserves it. We know now what we have to do, compared to last time in terms of how to control the game, not to sit back like we did when Italy came onto us. We know how we can win this final, which I think is a positive.

"With the back five we’ve played in the last two games, we’ve kept the ball so well. When we’ve sat back in, we’ve felt solid. We feel together and strong. We have players at club level who are used to taking the ball under pressure and playing in pockets. The improvement from the last Euros on the back five is that we’re keeping the ball much better."

As England prepares to face Spain, the anticipation is palpable. The match in Berlin is not just a test of skill but a testament to the team’s journey of resilience and unity. With Rice’s vow adding a personal touch to the narrative, fans are eagerly awaiting what could be a historic moment for English football as they would be lifting their first major trophy since their 1966 World Cup triumph.