The midfielder admitted he previously struggled with anxiety during matches but has now found total composure. “I felt really calm. I’ve been nervous with penalties before. We played (Crystal) Palace earlier in the season, I was so nervous to take the pen. I scored. But I didn’t feel as nervous when I did in that final.” When assessing his international team-mates, his belief is absolute. “I look at this group now. I don’t think there’s a better crop of penalty takers that England have probably ever had to honest with you.” Rice added: “I look at Harry, I look at Ivan, I look at Marcus (Rashford), look at Anthony Gordon, (Bukayo) Saka, I can take one, Jude (Bellingham can).
“I can’t go up to Kane and tell him about pens, because he is the best penalty taker. Everyone’s mentality, we don’t have to say anything, it’s just relentless. Let’s hope the keepers can save a few.”
