“My brother has literally had a baby, as the second goal went in.”
Declan Rice revealed in his post-match interview after England beat Denmark 2-1 that his brother and partner had a baby girl just moments after Harry Kane scored the crucial penalty to send England to the final.
The Three Lions came from behind to beat the Danes on Wednesday night at Wembley, and book their place at a first ever European Championships final and a first major tournament final since 1966.
But for Declan Rice and his family, the night will have been an even more incredible one.
Speaking to the BBC after the game, the West Ham midfielder revealed that he had been in contact with his brother, whose partner had given birth on the night, apparently just moments after Kane scored England’s extra time winner.
He said that his brother was “crying his eyes out.”
Rice told the BBC cameras: “My brother has literally had a baby, as the second goal went in. He’s crying his eyes out, he’s had a little girl. It’s a special night all round!
“A first final since 1966, I so want to do it for the people at home. Seeing the reactions – I’m a fan as well. I wish I was with them cheering, we’ve not won anything yet. Italy are a top side but we’re ready.”
https://twitter.com/EilidhBarbour/status/1412918403149533189
What an incredible occasion for them.
Rice has had a brilliant tournament for England, and is certain to start in the final against Italy as long as he remains fit. Gareth Southgate has put huge trust in him and Kalvin Phillips in midfield, and was full of praise for his entire squad after the victory at Wembley.
He told ITV: “I’m so proud of the players. It’s an incredible occasion to be a part of. We knew it wouldn’t be straightforward.
“When you’ve waited as long as we have to get through a semi-final, the players – considering the limited international experience some of them have – have done an incredible job.
“The most pleasing thing is that we’ve given our fans and our nation another amazing night, and the journey carries on for another four days.
“In terms of the team, to come through that sort of night, we’ve suffered in Moscow on a night like this, and we’ve managed to put that right on a night like this, and we’ve managed to put that right.”
