"I don't know why the French players would talk a player down like that" - England star points finger at France for Lamine Yamal comments
England midfielder Declan Rice has slammed France players for their comments at Lamine Yamal following their Euro 2024 semi-final loss. There were sour grapes from Les Bleus after the final whistle against La Roja, with French coach Diddier Deschamps calling Yamal ''lucky' for his goal.
The 17-year-old forward has been the standout performer at the ongoing Euros, scoring once and assisting three times to help his country to the final. Hence Rice didn't appreciate the comments made by France players (via Sports Bible):
"As soon as we won the game the other day, I saw a stat that said he was 12 when COVID hit. That's pretty scary!. He shows how good he is. He's 16, I don't know why the French players would talk a player down like that."
"What he's done at Barcelona as a 16-year-old, you have to applaud it. Me, as a football fan as well as a player, you have to respect it."
Rice concluded:
"Sometimes you have to say at 16, wow, it shows a lot of guts to play for Barcelona, but also to do what he's doing at his age, it's really special."
The English midfielder will look keep Lamine Yamal at bay when the Three Lions take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday (July 14).
Spain boss says he's 'lucky' to have 'genius' Lamine Yamal ahead of England clash in Euro 2024 final
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has said he's 'lucky' to have Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal in his squad ahead of the Euro 2024 final.
The teenage forward has a goal and three assists in the tournament and has broken records as the youngest player to assist and score in the competition. Speaking about the talented winger, De la Fuente said (via Sports Bible):
“We’re all responsible for his well-being. We’re going to do our job and let him play. Nothing more. We have seen a genius, the product of a genius He’s a player we have to take care of — I have to give him the advice to keep working with the same humility and keep his feet on the floor."
“He would keep growing, but this maturity and attitude at such a young age is like that of a more experienced player. We are lucky he is Spanish, and we can enjoy him for many more years.”
Lamine Yamal will hope to claim the title in Berlin and become the youngest player to win the tournament.