Rice didn't score but his performance was exceptional, and pundits are hailing it as a turning point in his career.

"What a two-game show to cement yourself as one of the best midfielders on the planet," said ex-Arsenal centre-back Matthew Upson on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Declan Rice is doing it in these two games," he added.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand, on TNT Sports, said: "You need games like this in your career. You need to get to places like this to be properly judged."

"He's stood up against the holders of this trophy and he's not just competed, he's run the show, he's run the show in both games. He's put himself in another bracket."

Martin Keown, a former Arsenal stopper, agreed: "Declan Rice was up against Jude Bellingham and there was only one winner. He was absolutely magnificent."

Rice himself said at the final whistle: "It is such a special night for this club, a historic night for this club. We had an objective in this competition - we want to win this competition."