Declan Rice vows to drink his first EVER pint of beer if England win Euro 2020 this summer but jokes he will ‘probably spit it out’ as the West Ham star prepares for his first ever major tournament
England star Declan Rice has revealed how he would celebrate England’s Euro 2020 glory – with his first ever pint of beer.
The West Ham midfielder is preparing to feature in his first ever major tournament and is expected to play a key role in Gareth Southgate’s midfield – having enjoyed an impressive season with the Hammers.
The Three Lions are one of the favourites to lift the European Championships – especially with their group stage games being held at Wembley – as well as the semi-finals and final should they reach it.
Declan Rice has revealed how he would celebrate England winning Euro 2020 this summer
The West Ham star says he will drink his first ever pint of beer should England claim victory
Rice is hoping his first big foray into international football is a memorable one, and is already picturing how he would toast his first piece of silverware – and England’s since 1966.
‘Do you know what, until this day I have never had a beer and I am 22! That is the truth,’ Rice said, via Goal. ‘Never had a pint. Don’t drink it.
‘Not really [a drinker]. But a pint? No. I know it is off topic but I have never had a beer. People get surprised. I just don’t like the smell of it so I have never gone near it.’
Rice is hoping to lift the first trophy of his career in his maiden international tournament
When asked if he would give the drink a try should England emerge victorious at Wembley on July 11, Rice added: ‘Yes. I will give it a try – but I will probably spit it out!’
Supporting England will be a slightly different experience this summer, with Covid protocols still in effect around the country. Fans will be allowed to attend games in a limited capacity if they can prove they have had both doses of the vaccine, or a rapid flow PCR test, while supporters can also watch in pubs.
But Rice is hoping the UK can do away with the rest of the restrictions if Boris Johnson gives ‘Freedom Day’ the green light on June 21 – when all social distancing could be scrapped if hospitalisations and deaths continue to fall.
Rice is expected to play a major role for England in midfield under boss Gareth Southgate
He hopes lockdown can be fully lifted this summer so supporters can cheer the team on
The rise of the indian variant has poured doubt on the day going ahead – although Rice believes the nation will be ‘buzzing’ if they are able to cheer the team on properly, and feels it would hugely benefit the team.
‘If Boris lifts the lockdown and the games are in full flow on the 21st, the nation will be buzzing,’ he added.
‘All the songs will be flying at the pubs and obviously we’ll be playing. We’ll all definitely feel the positive effects on the nation.’
