Declan Rice has admitted his World Cup performance was "average" by his own standards, blaming a gruelling 69-game season for club and country that left him exhausted.
The Arsenal midfielder helped his club win the Premier League title before heading into the tournament, but he felt he was not at his best even though England reached the semi-finals. Rice, 27, will win his 82nd cap against Spain and is determined to put things right.
Rice reflects on a long season
Rice said: "I think by my standards it was an average World Cup. I think some games I played well in, I applied myself well and did what I needed to do in terms of my standards and my level."
He singled out the France game as his best, along with the DR Congo match, but admitted other games fell short. "It's annoying because at the World Cup you want to be totally at your best, you want to be fresh, you want to be ready," he said.
The midfielder also noted that missing last month's England camp and the first Spain meeting was agreed with Thomas Tuchel. "I had an honest conversation with the boss who was really understanding," Rice said.
Looking ahead to Spain
Rice acknowledged that Spain, the current world and European champions, are the standard for everyone else, having gone on a 43-game unbeaten run. He watched the Wembley game from the stands and praised their defensive strength.
"If you look at Spain's statistics at the World Cup in conceding goals I think they were the best in defending. Defence wins you titles," he said, adding that their centre-backs, full-backs, and midfield support are among the best in the world.
Rice is now focused on the upcoming games, saying: "I'm ready for the next set of games and to apply myself in the right way."
