Rice didn't score, but his performance was nothing short of sensational, potentially marking a turning point in his career.

Ex-Arsenal centre-back Matthew Upson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, gushed, "What a two games to cement yourself as one of the best midfielders on the planet. Declan Rice is doing it in these two games."

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand, on TNT Sports, added, "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, another former Arsenal stopper, chimed in, "Declan Rice was up against Jude Bellingham and there was only one winner. He was absolutely magnificent."

Rice himself, at the final whistle, said, "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."