Declan Rice insists he has ‘big respect’ for Rodri but will do everything he can to ensure England defeat his Spain side in the Euro 2024 final.
Two of the best midfielders in the Premier League will come head-to-head in Sunday’s final in Berlin, with Arsenal’s Rice set to battle Manchester City’s Rodri in the centre of the pitch.
Rice enjoyed an impressive first season at Arsenal, helping the Gunners challenge for the title and finish just two points behind prolific champions Man City.
Rodri, meanwhile, has been one of the best players in England since his 2019 move from Atletico Madrid, starring in four successive title triumphs at the Etihad Stadium.
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The two midfielders are often compared and contrasted but Rice says they are ‘completely different players’, with Rodri often dictating play from deeper and Rice joining attacks in an Arsenal shirt last season.
Rice has ‘a lot of respect’ for Rodri but says ‘it is business’ on Sunday as England look to end 58 years of hurt and win Euro 2024.
‘We obviously know Rodri’s a top player,’ Rice said in a pre-match press conference. ‘I did an interview at Arsenal just before the end of the season and I spoke really highly of him.
‘I think we’re two completely different players despite constantly getting compared to each other.
‘I think that’s normal now but we’re two completely different players in my opinion and I’m sure he would say the same thing.
‘This year I’ve been playing a bit more attacking for Arsenal whereas he’s more of a out-and-out holding midfield. He’s always been a natural six. So I think we play different roles.
‘It’s not just that battle, they’ve also got Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo. It’s a real top squad of players.
‘The midfield battle will be key, I have a lot of respect for him and the way he’s come to England, played games week in week out and won trophies. He’s been a top player for years now.
‘Big respect for him but obviously on Sunday it’s business and we want to get one over them for sure.’
Spain’s impressive run to the Euros final included knockout victories over tournament hosts Germany and World Cup finalists France.
England were handed a much easier route to the showpiece event in Berlin but had to battle past Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands to reach back-to-back Euros finals.
Looking ahead to the final, ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman told Betway: ‘England are in the Euro 2024 final, and I’m delighted for Gareth Southgate.
We saw a big jump in performance against the Netherlands, and there are a lot of people who are going to eat some humble pie because the stick they were giving Gareth was a joke. He has ignored all the criticism and done it his way.
‘There have been no knee-jerk reactions. When I watch Gareth, it seems like he’s always in control, apart from his celebrations when he properly goes for it!
‘I think a lot of people have realised that they don’t know what they’re talking about. People were slating him, but we’ve now reached back-to-back European Championship finals.
‘Winning the tournament would put a cherry on top of the cake for Gareth as England manager, because what he’s built has been massive.’
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