Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was deployed in the middle of the park for England as they got their Euro 2024 campaign underway against Serbia on Sunday.
Arsenal star Declan Rice is vitally important to this England squad.
Whilst the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and fellow Arsenal star Bukayo Saka are more likely to grab headlines with the impact they can make in the final third, Rice represents the lynchpin around which Gareth Southgate has built his team.
What’s more, there is no proven like-for-like alternative for Rice amongst the Three Lions’ ranks. Only he can do the job that he has been given in this England team, further amplifying his importance to the manager.
Whilst Mikel Arteta has encouraged Rice to adopt a more advanced role with Arsenal, in a move which has led to remarkable results, the 25-year-old still operates with a more defensive remit for his country.
Whilst England largely dominated the opening period, Rice was relatively untroubled. However, as Serbia emerged with far greater intent after the break, the Arsenal man suddenly found himself with a fight on his hands.
The former West Ham United man was physical and alert, and held his own in the midfield melee, whilst still offering to support to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is still adjusting to playing in a central midfield role.
Whilst Arteta still has a decision to make about Rice’s role at Arsenal in the long-term, his duties in this England side are very clearly defined.
Media have their say on Arsenal star Declan Rice’s display for England v Serbia
Saka impressed Arsenal fans with his display, and Rice earned plenty of credit from the press with his performance in England’s Euro 2024 opener.
The Independent awarded Rice a 7/10 rating for his performance and stated: “Settled in possession at the base of England’s midfield three and cleaned up promptly when required.”
Metro offered the midfielder an 8/10 score, and enthused about his display, saying: “Compounded a superb maiden season at Arsenal into a top-notch display in England’s opener. Buzzed around putting out fires all over the pitch, no doubt fulfilling exactly what Gareth Southgate asked of him before the match.”
SportBible gave him 7/10, observing: “Mopped up in front of the back four. Sensible in possession and made several brilliant last-ditch tackles.”
GiveMeSport also rated Rice’s performance as an 8/10 and added: “Kept England mulling over from first to last. Looked assured and decisive, allowed Bellingham to flourish.”
Arsenal players and transfer targets at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode of Cannon Fire – The Arsenal Insider Podcast, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discuss the European Championships. With 11 Arsenal players set to feature at the tournament, the pair debated which players could be fighting for their futures, and which are destined to succeed on the international stage.