Declan Rice Says He Will Try His First Ever Pint Of Beer If England Win Euro 2020

Declan Rice has promised to try a pint of beer for the first time if England win the Euros this summer - but don't count on him finishing it.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who has earned a place in Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad after an impressive season at West Ham, is expected to line up for the Three Lions in their opening Group D clash against Croatia on Sunday.

He has featured in both of England's warm-up games against Romania and Austria at the Riverside Stadium, producing solid displays in both outings.

Image credit: PA

Rice will be hoping to make a big impact in this summer's tournament, even if it does mean sipping his first pint of beer if England are crowned European champions.

"Do you know what, until this day I have never had a beer and I am 22. That is the truth!" he admitted this week ahead of Sunday's opener.

"Never had a pint. Don't drink it. I'm not really (a drinker). But a pint? No. I know it is off topic but I have never had a beer. People get surprised. I just don't like the smell of it so I have never gone near it."

Image credit: PA

The midfielder then vowed to give it a try before speaking about the 2018 World Cup, where he recalled being at a giant fanzone in Dubai as England reached the semi-final of the competition.

"Yes. I will give it a try - but I will probably spit it out!" he continued.

"Honestly, the World Cup was buzzing. I remember watching the Panama game, the Tunisia game, Sweden game. It was incredible.

"The singing before the game, the national anthem. Just being a part of it. I was a fan for that tournament so to be part of this tournament is unbelievable."

The revelation that Rice has yet to drink a pint of beer has shocked many, including talkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil.

"Away you go - he's a liar," joked the radio host."Are you telling me they don't have a bevvie? I know some of them don't but I know a lot of them love a pint!

"I'm not meaning any names, but I've seen them at Cheltenham having a couple of pints... and there's nothing wrong with that!"

Image credit: PA

So there we have it, folks. Declan Rice will drink his first pint of beer if England win the European Championship this summer. A good enough excuse as any to bring it home.

Topics: Football, England, Declan Rice, West Ham

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_