Both players had scored against the Republic of Ireland in September, and this time around they both scored against Finland.
Speaking to the media after the game, Rice was keen to highlight how well Grealish is playing at the moment.
“Do you know how good Jack is?” Rice said. “Honestly, you watch him in training and you watch him in games and he’s got something that’s really special as a football player.”
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND: Kyle Walker, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish of England talk during a training session at St Georges Park on October 08, 2024.
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND: Kyle Walker, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish of England talk during a training session at St Georges Park on October 08, 2024.
“I’m not just saying that because he’s one of my best friends in football,” the Arsenal midfielder added. “The way he takes the ball under pressure and takes touches and relieves you of pressure as a team is just incredible.
“For him to score again for England, he’s been playing loads at Man City as well, he’s looked really confident.
“So I’m buzzing for him because when we’ve got a Jack Grealish who’s happy and smiling and playing well he’s a massive boost for England.”
italy v england group c uefa euro 2024 qualifying round
NAPLES, ITALY: Declan Rice of England celebrates with team mates Jack Grealish and Harry Kane after scoring their sides first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group C match between Italy and England at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 23, 2023.
Rice unfortunately had a first-hand look at the dangers Grealish can pose at club level as well, with the player coming on and being involved in City’s late equaliser against Arsenal last month.
But on the international stage, the pair clearly get along well on and off the pitch.
Both players will now head back to their clubs, with a trip down to Bournemouth for Arsenal on Saturday and an away trip to Wolves for City on Sunday.
On that note, they’ll be pleased to have concluded their international duties early and without injury, with some countries still playing matches over the next couple of days.
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