Declan Rice reveals why England should be feared at the World Cup
Declan Rice is confident that England's array of world-class talent is enough to strike fear into their World Cup opponents.
The Three Lions comfortably progressed from Group B after picking up seven points from a possible nine, and soundly beat both Iran and Wales.
The United States provided a sterner test for England in their second group game, and an equally tough encounter is expected when Gareth Southgate's side face Senegal in the round of 16 on Sunday.
Nevertheless, Rice, speaking to the media as part of England's build-up to the game, is confident that the quality in Southgate's 26-player squad will show through, and that there's no reason why the Three Lions shouldn't be feared as the World Cup enters the knockout stages.
"Other nations will look at our quality - and why should we not be feared?" Rice, who also hinted that his long-term future lays away from West Ham United, said. "If you look at our attacking talent, we have world-class talent. Across the board we have players who have won the biggest trophies.
"It is up to us to prove that. The likes of France have done that. We're not just here to get into the last 16, we want to go the whole way."
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Such is the talent at England's disposal, manager Southgate must now decide whether to retain Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden in his starting lineup, having drafted the pair in for Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling against Wales.
Both players scored in England's comprehensive 3-0 win, but Rice added that the players will always back each other no matter who is selected.
"What is so good about our group here is we are all so supportive of each other," he continued. "There is probably a selection headache for the manager but whoever he picks, I know everyone will be rooting for each other. It is a real team effort now.
"I think [the competition for places] is top level - it's always nice to know you can bring players on that can instantly change the game. We've got world-class players that can do that and in a World Cup you need that.
"Competition is really healthy and I'd do anything to win the World Cup. So if that means someone comes on and helps, that's all that matters. We all share the same goal."