22 June 2024 , 08:27
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England have stressed the need to remain calm and focused at Euro 2024 after Declan Rice admitted the desperation to win was heaping unnecessary pressure on the group.
The Three Lions are reeling from the criticism that came their way following the drab 1-1 draw against Denmark on Thursday night in Frankfurt. Harry Kane opened the scoring with a simple finish but England failed to build on their lead, with Morten Hjulmand’s long-range strike deservedly earning the Danes a point.
Gareth Southgate ’s side lacked any fluency or creativity and dropped deep in defence after taking the lead, rather than pressing home their advantage.
The lack of a cohesive press was another concern highlighted by the pundits ahead of the final group match against Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday night.
Despite their lacklustre display, England are top of Group C on four points and can guarantee top spot with victory over Slovenia. The Telegraph therefore reports that the mood inside the camp remains good, with the leadership group of captain Kane, vice-captain Kyle Walker, Jude Bellingham and Rice telling the squad not to panic.
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Walker made his feelings clear straight after the game when he spoke to the BBC and emphasised the positives. “We're top of the group so let's try to take a positive from this game,” he said. “We've not lost, we've conceded a great strike from outside the box. We're top of the group so let's move on to the next game.”
Rice took a different approach with the media by speaking honestly about the pressure the players are under. “We are all so desperate to do the country proud,” he said. “We are all so desperate to win, to be leaders, to go out there and give people memories for lifetimes and sometimes I maybe feel like we put too much pressure on ourselves where we could just go out there and let it just take care of ourselves.
Declan Rice has admitted England are feeling the pressure (Icon Sport via Getty Images) HAVE YOUR SAY! What did you make of England's performance - and what needs to change vs Slovenia? Comment below.
“There is probably more pressure now from the outside just because of the seasons some of our players have had. If you look at the goals that our front four have scored this year, it’s over 100 between them. Of course there is expectation because they are the best players in the world. And that goes for everyone throughout the team.
“There’s going to be that pressure. This is England, a major tournament. But, look, this is our job and this is what we have to deal with. At the end of the day it’s us, we’ve played in high-pressure games, high-pressure environments.”
Had they beaten Denmark, England would have already been assured of top spot in Group C and could have rotated their squad against Slovenia. But although they remain in command of their own destiny, a result is needed on Tuesday against a side who are unbeaten, having drawn against Denmark and Serbia.