Lifelong mates Declan Rice and Mason Mount describe 'special' moment for pair in England win

‘We’ve been mates since we were eight years old, we’ve seen each other grow’: Declan Rice describes ‘dream come true’ while Mason Mount hails ‘special’ moment as lifelong pals start together and both score for England in win at Wembley

Lifelong friends Declan Rice and Mason Mount described their ‘special’ moment as they started together and both scored in England’s win over Iceland at Wembley.

West Ham midfielder Rice headed home his first international goal before Mount scored the second before midfield partner Phil Foden scored twice as the Three Lions cruised to a comfortable 4-0 win. 

The 21-year-old pair’s close relationship was evident in their possession play on the pitch, with their link-up with England’s other shining attackers putting them in control throughout.

‘We’ve been best mates since we were eight years old, we’ve seen each other grow. It was special to start alongside each other. To both score in the same game is a dream come true,’ Rice told Sky Sports.

‘I think it might have come off my head and onto my shoulder, but it was special. You can’t put it into words. 13 games I’ve had (with England). I need to keep adding more goals to my game. 

‘I thought the partnership worked really well. I think we dominated the ball. I thought we played really, really well together, what we’ve done since we were kids really.’  

Mount was similarly full of joy: ‘It’s special memories that we’re making together. The first goal for him is obviously special and it means a lot. For me to be on the pitch when he scored it means a lot.

‘I had the freedom to go a bit forward and link up with Jack, Phil and Harry. That attack we had was deadly. It was a good performance.’ 

 ‘I think the Euros is the next step. Hopefully we can kick on and get picked for the squad in March and the big one in the summer.’, Rice added.

source: dailymail.co.uk