Rice: "I don't expect any racist incidents tomorrow"

Rice said he does not expect racist incidents at the Metropolitano ahead of England's Nations League clash with Spain, and praised his Arsenal teammates for their support.

Declan Rice spoke at the Metropolitano ahead of England's Nations League group-stage decider against Spain. The Arsenal midfielder discussed the pre-match controversy surrounding racism protocols, saying new England manager Thomas Tuchel "hasn't mentioned anything to us about it yet, but we know about it."

Rice, who experienced racism firsthand during a match in Bulgaria where the protocol was activated, expressed confidence in the Spanish venue: "I don't expect anything like that tomorrow. This is a fantastic setting. We don't expect any incidents of this type tomorrow."

Rice also reflected on his recent contract renewal with Arsenal, calling it "very important" for his career and crediting his teammates for their support. When asked about the Ballon d'Or debate between Spain's Lamine Yamal and England's Harry Kane, Rice backed Kane: "For me and for England, Harry deserved the Ballon d'Or.

Not just the goals, but how he's played. Obviously in Spain everyone will say it's Lamine. He'll win many in the future."