Declan Rice Drives England's World Cup Mindset After Arsenal Triumph
Declan Rice is set to lead England with his famous ‘it’s not done’ chant as the squad heads into the World Cup knockout round against DR Congo on 18 June 2024. The Arsenal captain believes the same defiant spirit that sparked a league title will fuel England’s push for glory.
Rice explained that the three‑word slogan, first heard after Arsenal’s dramatic comeback against Manchester City, became a rallying cry for his club. "It’s not done" reminded teammates that defeat was never final. He now wants the England dressing room to adopt that same belief, especially as the team faces a tough group‑stage finish and a demanding knockout path.
Four Arsenal players-Rice, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze-are in the England squad, giving the team a core of players already accustomed to the mantra. Rice said the mentality shift is essential because England’s group performances have been shaky despite topping the group. "Anyone who thinks it will be easy is mistaken," he warned, stressing that each knockout match will be a battle.
The next opponent, DR Congo, will test England’s resolve in Atlanta. Rice highlighted that low‑block teams like Ghana and Panama have shown disciplined defending, meaning England must break through quickly. He stressed the importance of early goals to open up opponents, noting that patience and tactical discipline will be key against well‑organized sides.
Rice expects his teammates to stay hungry and ready for setbacks. He admitted the slogan could have backfired, but the positive reception reinforced its power. "If we keep that belief, we can handle shocks and setbacks," he said, adding that the squad must treat every match as a separate block, focusing on one game at a time.
Looking ahead, Rice anticipates a “really, really tough” route to the final, with potential clashes in Mexico City and a quarter‑final against Brazil. He believes England’s quality will shine, but only if the players maintain the aggressive mindset that helped Arsenal end a 22‑year title drought.
Fans can expect Rice to keep the message simple: stay focused, work hard, and remember that the game isn’t over until the final whistle. His confidence in the squad’s ability to adapt and overcome will be a cornerstone of England’s World Cup narrative.
As the team prepares for the DR Congo fixture, Rice will continue to embed the ‘it’s not done’ philosophy in training sessions. The Arsenal captain believes that mindset, combined with tactical sharpness, will give England the edge needed to chase their first World Cup trophy since 1966.