The England duo discuss how they deal with setbacks in football on Lions’ Den connected by EE
After landmark seasons in the careers of Declan Rice and Anthony Gordon, the duo were both on target in England men’s win against Costa Rica last week.
Gordon provided the assist for Rice’s opener as they combined impressively down the left-hand side, before the winger doubled the Three Lions’ lead from the penalty spot.
It was little surprise to see both players on the scoresheet, having arrived in camp full of confidence.
Rice picked up his first Premier League title with Arsenal this season, while Gordon recently secured a blockbuster move to Barcelona from Newcastle United. In his campaign with Newcastle, he scored 10 goals in the UEFA Champions League, a tally only beaten by Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
But neither journey has been without its challenges, with both players overcoming adversity to establish themselves at the highest level.
Speaking on Episode 6 of Lions' Den, our series of shows with the England players that give unrivalled inside access to the Three Lions' camp. You can watch it now in full on the official England app.
“Us two are similar,” Rice explained. “We’ve had so many setbacks on our journeys so far, loads of rejection throughout our careers and loads of adversity.
“If you want to get to the top, you have to just keep taking those small losses, keep riding with them and keep believing in yourself.
“In the end, I think if you keep believing, have good people around you, then you’ll end up winning one way or the other. I’ve always believed that rejections as a kid, the adversities, always help.”