Declan Rice says England have nothing to fear against Germany in Euro 2020 clash
England face Germany on Tuesday at Wembley in the last 16 of Euro 2020; first major tournament meeting between sides since 2010 World Cup; winners will go on to face Sweden or Ukraine in the quarter-finals
Monday 28 June 2021 10:44, UK
Declan Rice says there is nothing to fear about England's Euro 2020 last-16 opponents Germany and has promised Gareth Southgate's side are ready to "step it up" in the knockout stages.
Group D winners England take on Group F runners-up Germany at Wembley on Tuesday as the historic rivalry is renewed at a major tournament for the first time since the 2010 World Cup.
West Ham midfielder Rice, who started each of England's group stage matches as they recorded 1-0 wins over Croatia and the Czech Republic either side of a goalless draw with Scotland, suggested confidence is high in the England camp.
"What's there to fear really? Obviously, yeah they're great players, but it's a game of football," Rice said.
"It's 90 minutes - we have got players that can win us games and they've got players that can win them games as well.
"It's going to be a real battle out there but one that we're going to be up for and we're really positive and ready for."
Of the 16 teams to advance to the knockout stages, England's total of two goals is the least scored by any remaining side, but Rice was adamant an improvement in the final third is imminent.
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"We are not worried," he said.
"It's two goals - we know as a team we can score more, especially with the world-class talent we have got, but that will come, I'm sure that will come in the next couple of rounds.
"As the tournament progresses now I feel like we are really going to step it up."
'Mount and Chilwell could return to training over weekend'
England were without Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell for their final group stage match against the Czech Republic after the duo were forced into self-isolation under coronavirus rules.
Mount and Chilwell were deemed close contacts of Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour - who later tested positive for Covid-19 - having spent time talking to their Chelsea team-mate following their 0-0 draw last Friday.
It was initially understood that the duo would not be allowed out of isolation until the day of England's match against Germany, but Rice hinted an earlier return appears to be under discussion pending continued negative test results.
"I spoke to him yesterday [Thursday] - he tested negative again," Rice said of his former Chelsea academy team-mate and close friend.
"He's been keeping himself fit in the room I think as well by doing the bike and what not, but hopefully we can have him out I think maybe tomorrow or the next day, obviously with the negative test.
"So that would be a massive boost, and obviously having Chilwell back as well, that would be a positive boost for us as well."
Redknapp: Southgate needs more flair and excitement in the side
Ahead of England renewing their rivalry with Germany, Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp says Gareth Southgate's side need more flair and excitement than they showed in the group stage.
Redknapp said: "He has got to get the right formula, pick the right players and get a bit more flair and excitement into the side. What you do not want to do is go out of this tournament having only scored two goals considering we have got such an exciting group of players.
"Given we have got such a young and talented squad, what you do not want to do is reflect on playing with the handbrake on and with a little bit of fear. That is not what anyone wants to see. When Jack Grealish came off against the Czech Republic, there was a collective sigh inside the stadium. Let's have a go.
"No matter what happens now, let's have a go. Let's go out swinging punches rather than playing too safe. Let's go and show what we are capable of and give the team the opportunity to go and prove that."
