World Cup 2022: Declan Rice says criticism gave England players 'fire in our bellies'

The players were given fire in their bellies by the criticism of England's form before the World Cup.

After a six-game winless run and a place in the Nations League, the side traveled to the Middle East.

They opened the World Cup with a win.

Before the tournament, there were doubts about us. "We wanted to show a lot of people wrong."

We haven't won in our last six matches. It has not been good enough with the players we have.

There was a fire in our bellies, but this was a World Cup stage.

Iran has had some good results at the World Cup. In the month of September, they beat and drew with two other countries.

We can't get too carried away with the performance. The USA is going to be an even higher level.

It was the first game of the season. We don't need any more.

On Friday, England will play the United States at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

Jude Bellingham scored the opening goal and played in the middle of the field.

Rice said they have played together four or five times.

He was told to go and flourish in the tunnel. I will be behind you to sweep up the ball for you to use.

• 'Like Gerrard & Lampard rolled into one'

I'm aware of my role in this team. I am standing in front of the back four, protecting, getting on the ball and moving it around.

I think we did that well. The spaces opened up after we stuck to the plan. The goals we scored were very nice.

I knew I'd be playing in the World Cup. You don't get that much. The world stage is where you play in the premier league.

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