AFC Wimbledon send emotional message to Declan Rice ahead of Euro 2020 final
AFC Wimbledon have shared a throwback picture of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
England are set to take on Italy in the Euro 2020 final later today, and Rice has been one of their consistent performers throughout the tournament.
During his early years, Rice was an ardent AFC Wimbledon supporter so the club’s social media handle decided to share this throwback picture of him as an eight-year-old.
Let’s bring it home
Given the season Rice has enjoyed for West Ham, it’s only fitting that he ends it by winning England’s first trophy since the ’66 World Cup.
He’s been such a vital part of Gareth Southgate’s side and has been one of the main reasons why the Three Lions have reached so far in the competition.
When England have played with a back four, Rice often dropped deep to play as a third centre-back when the team was under the cosh. He distributed the ball well and played a key role in England building from the back.
In the final, Southgate could revert to a back three which would make Rice’s role change slightly, albeit not too much. He will be tasked with keeping Marco Verratti at bay – who is undoubtedly one of the world’s best midfielders.
Rice isn’t going to be short on support at Wembley, that’s for sure. 60,000 people are set to fill the arena – most of whom will be cheering him on to have a great game.
He’s enjoyed so many great games in London over the past few seasons and it’s time for him to have a match that he will never forget. Should England win the final, Rice’s name will be going down in history.
We’re delighted to have a player like him at the club and hopefully he can guide us to silverware in the near future.
In other West Ham news, TalkSPORT pundit says what Tottenham fans could do for Declan Rice next season
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