Declan Rice was thrilled to add another goal to his England tally and help the Three Lions to a 2-1 win away to Italy.
The West Ham United captain and his international compatriots got their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign off to a great start, securing a 2-1 Group C win over Italy in Naples on Thursday evening.
Two goals up in the first half, thanks to Rice’s sweeping effort and Harry Kane’s penalty, England had to show a different side to their game in the second as Italy took control.
Mexico-based centre-forward Mateo Retegui’s low shot halved the deficit while Luke Shaw was sent-off for the Three Lions after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession, but the visitors held on for a battling three points.
“I think it was a story of two halves," Rice told Channel 4 Sport. “We completely controlled and dominated the game in the first half and could have been three goals up.
"In the second half, we put ourselves under all sorts of pressure straight from the start. But we showed all sorts of desire and the mentality needed to dig in after going down to ten men. It’s a first win for us here in Italy for a long time so it was a big night for us.”
In latching onto the ball inside the penalty area early on during Thursday evening’s fixture, Rice netted his third goal for his national team on his 40th appearance.
“Every time you score is such a proud moment, let alone when you do it for your country,” he continued.
“I think I was shocked that it dropped to me, to be honest with you, but I just wanted to make a good contact with the ball. I think I scuffed it, but it went in and they all count.
“I was absolutely buzzing to get that goal and for Harry to then score, it topped off a great first half performance. We really dominated and showed what we’re about and the next step is to apply that across all 90 minutes.”
Captain Kane’s penalty took the forward onto 54 goals, passing Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time record goalscorer.
Rice was full of praise for the national team skipper and fellow goal-getter.
He added: “Harry said a few words in the changing room after the game and you can see how much it means to him. Every day, ever since I walked through the door with England, the way he approaches training and scores goals in training and games, he’s a real leader for us.
“To get to 54 goals is some statement and he could go all the way to 100 if he wanted to. He’s a top player and it’s thoroughly deserved.”
