Declan's delight [video]

  • by Staff Writer
  • Thursday, 19th November 2020

Declan Rice scored his first ever goal at full international level on Wednesday night as England comfortably beat Iceland at Wembley.

The current West Ham captain became the first Hammer to score for England since Matthew Upson a decade ago when he struck in the 20th minute to score the first of four goals on the night.


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Rice's goal - a header from a Phil Foden cross - was complemented four minutes later when close friend Mason Mount doubled England's lead with his first goal for his country, which they retained until the half time interval.

And a second half brace for Manchester City's Foden - with the goals coming in the 80th and 84th minute - secured a comfortable victory for Gareth Southgate's men in what was their final match of the Nations League Group B schedule.

"I think it might have come off my head and onto my shoulder, but it was special," said Rice when asked to describe his first full international goal. "You can't put it into words. 13 games I've had (with England). I need to keep adding more goals to my game."

Meanwhile lifelong friend Mount admitted that he was delighted for his best pal. "'It's special memories that we're making together," he said. "The first goal for him is obviously special and it means a lot. For me to be on the pitch when he scored it means a lot too."


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Despite ending their campaign on a high note, the Three Lions still failed to qualify for the finals having finished third in the group behind winners Belgium and runners-up Denmark.

The Danes finished ahead of England by virtue of having a better record in their two head-to-head meetings, despite finishing with an inferior goal difference, and will join Belgium - who beat England 2-0 last week - in the finals. You may view highlights from the game below.




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