Declan Rice has opened up about the disappointment of his close friends Jack Grealish and James Maddison being left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad.
The two players were among seven to be cut from the provisional 33-man squad ahead of the tournament.
Rice, who will be part of the final 26-man squad, admitted he was ‘gutted’ to see his friends miss out, but praised their ‘supportive’ and understanding reaction to the news.
Despite their own disappointment, Grealish and Maddison have been backing Rice and the rest of the team from afar, showing the strong bond and camaraderie within the England camp.
Rice said:
‘It’s been really tough. Madders and Jack are two of my best mates in the squad, I’ve probably spent most of my time with them since being here.
‘To see them go is not a nice feeling but they’ve both just said before leaving that they wish us all the best. They were pretty positive and upbeat.
‘Obviously they’re gutted not to be in the squad but we’re so close as a group so I don’t think anyone is feeling really bitter about being left out.
Those two wished us all the best, as did the others who didn’t make it.
‘I’m obviously gutted but it’s just one of those things, managers have tough decisions to make.
Read Also: Euro 2024: Grealish, Maguire, Maddison Left Out Of England 26-Man Squad
I’m gutted they’re gone but they’ve been really supportive of the team.’
Rice will likely be joined in midfield by either Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo or Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
‘We saw in the last camp what Kobbie’s done at Man Utd all season, he fully deserves his place.
‘Adam played his first half of the season in the Championship, he’s been outstanding at Crystal Palace and he’s impressed a lot of the players in training.
‘He’s so composed and calm on the ball, he’s got a beautiful left-foot, very crisp passing, and he’s an all-round down to earth boy.
‘He’s still only 20 years old, but to be on the plane to go to his first European Championships, what a moment for him.
He won’t take it for granted, he’ll be ready when called upon.
‘You saw the other night how composed he is, I think he doesn’t get phased by big things. The future is looking bright in midfield.’
England face Iceland in their final Euro 2024 warm-up game on Friday before travelling to Germany to kick-start their Euros campaign on June 16 against Serbia .
