Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has candidly admitted he is prepared to be "hated one minute and loved the next" as England embark on their quest to secure a first World Cup trophy in 60 years.
Rice, who is on the cusp of a remarkable Premier League and Champions League double with Arsenal, is expected to play a pivotal role for the national team this summer.
Despite improvements under previous manager Gareth Southgate, England's only major tournament triumph remains the 1966 World Cup. The national side will be aiming to end this long wait for international silverware.
Reflecting on the intense scrutiny that accompanies representing his country, Rice, who has earned 72 caps, stated: "The biggest challenge is dealing with everything that comes with being an England player. It’s going to be the most-watched football event of the last four years.
“One minute you’re going to be hated, one minute you’re going to be loved. It always changes in football. You’ve just got to take it with a pinch of salt."
Rice is fully aware of the pressure the England team will be under at the World Cup (PA Wire)
The 27-year-old drew a contrast with England's so-called "Golden Generation”, which featured stars like Wayne Rooney and David Beckham, whose campaigns often faltered amid reports of club rivalries. Speaking to British Vogue, Rice highlighted the strong bond within the current squad.
"Whether it’s through social media or in real life, you can see that there’s a real connection between us," he explained.
"You obviously hear about the older generation talking about how they didn’t get on and how they couldn’t connect and play together. But I think with us, that’s why, over the last few years with England, we’ve done so well, because we’re close on and off the pitch.
“We obviously all play against each other, but football’s not like that any more. A lot of people have best friends from opposite teams, spend a lot of time with players from opposite teams. With England, we all get on. We always look forward to seeing each other. It’s a nice getaway."
Before turning his attention fully to international duty, Rice will feature for Arsenal in their upcoming home fixture against Burnley, followed by their concluding match at Crystal Palace six days later. Victories in both games would secure Arsenal their first league title since 2004.
:: See the full feature in the June issue of British Vogue, available via digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday, May 19.
