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Mainoo has started alongside Rice in the Three Lions' three knockout games against Slovakia, Switzerland and Netherlands.

The Manchester United midfielder, who enjoyed a breakthrough season under Erik ten Hag, made history in England's semi-final win over Ronald Koeman's side, becoming the youngest player to play for England in the semi-final of a major tournament at 19 years and 82 days. 

Mainoo received the fans' man of the match award, starring in midfield as he made more tackles and interceptions than any other Three Lions player in Dortmund.

"You can just see. You speak to him and just feel his calm presence that he has and what I like about him is that he is not scared to say it how it is," Rice said.

"There was something towards the end [against the Netherlands] when he gave me a pass between the lines and I got sold short for it.

"We had to sprint back and we had bit at each other - but that is good because you need that relationship. At 19, I can't imagine many saying that to older players and that's what I love about him.

"That is what the lads love about him as well. He gets that respect, he has that leadership and the way he takes the ball and is comfortable.

"The conversations we've been having daily with each other and on the training pitch have brought us together, and we have become a nice partnership."

Rice has had another influential tournament with England, having played a major role in Gareth Southgate's side in its run to the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 final against Italy.

He is keen to put that result behind himself and the team by going one better this time around.

"Seeing Italy lift that trophy will haunt me forever," Rice said.

"We are now presented with another opportunity where we can write our own history, but we are up against another top side who we have to massively respect.

"Hopefully, now we can do it. Not only for each other but also for the manager. I think he deserves it."

In Germany, the Arsenal midfielder has had more touches, 300, and completed more passes, 236, while under high pressure than any other player at the tournament.

He’s also made seven line breaking passes that have led to a shot within 10 seconds, more than any other England player, showcasing his ability in the forward areas.

Rice was previously partnered with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher during the group-stage games at the tournament but insists he has found a nice balance with Mainoo ahead of the meeting with Spain.

"I think when you're playing with a midfield partner, you need to understand each other's game. You need to play close to each other," he said.

"That's why you see us playing a couple of little passes to each other in games. You know, those little first pass connections are so important. And we've been working really well together on the training pitch.

"So this boy is going to go on to be massive. He's destined for great things. And what I love about him as well is that he isn't big-headed. He's got a great family around him. You see his family in the stands after the game. They're so happy, smiley, speak to people.

"Man United have got a top player on their hands for the next decade, I'm sure."

Rice also wants to take inspiration from the England women's European championships success.

The Lionesses won their first major trophy at UEFA Euro 2022, beating Germany 2-1 in extra-time to earn the country's first title since the men won the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

"It would mean everything I think to win something for your country,” Rice said.

"We saw when the women's team won it, what it meant to them and what it meant to the nation. I'm lucky enough now to see a lot of the girls who are in the Arsenal squad and to this day they still speak about it.

"You know that's what we want now as a men's team, you know we want it. We want to win; we want to make the nation proud. We want to make the fans proud.

"And it's a chance to create our own little bit of history. So yeah, look, we're ready. But like I said, it's another game of football and may the best team win."