Josh Windass has weighed in on today’s debate surrounding former midfielder James McClean’s comments on Declan Rice.
James McClean has been working as a TV pundit for Irish channel RTE2 this month, having recently helped Wrexham win promotion to League One.
The 35-year-old went viral on social media today following his comments on Declan Rice, with the Arsenal star set to take to the stage for England’s second group match against Denmark this evening.
Rice has received rave reviews after joining the Gunners from West Ham last summer, while he has remained a consistent figure in Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up since the Euros three years ago.
Josh Windass defends James McClean after Euro 2024 comments
Speaking on RTE2, McClean said: “I think with [Jamal] Musiala, he justifies the hype. I think Declan Rice is very overrated and don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer.
“But the way the English media wax lyrical abouth him, I think it’s completely over the top.
“For me, he’s not world-class, world-class to me is someone who gets in every single side in the world… and I don’t think he does that. I just don’t think he gets into the man City side ahead of Rodri.
“I know Kroos is retired, but to me Tony Kroos is world-class. He dictates the game…Rodri, he dictates the game. I don’t think Declan Rice does that.
“He’s not so much going to get it on the half-turn, play passes forward. He’s very good at what he does. They play the same role, so why can’t they do the same things if you’re going to give him this much hype and reputation?
“Surely he should be able to do what they do, get the ball on the half-turn, play, pass it forward and dictate the play.
“I don’t think he does that. He’s good at what he does, he sees danger and puts out fires. But, you know, for the hype that surrounds him, I don’t think it’s justified.”
England fans took to social media to slam McClean for his controversial comments, but Sheffield Wednesday’s Windass was one player who quickly defended him.
In response to the clip, the midfielder wrote on X: “I don’t understand the back lash here? I wish more pundits gave a honest view like this. I actually disagree with James here but if he thinks Declan is a bit over rated, he gives a very good reason in his own words to why. What is the problem?”
Is the Sheffield Wednesday ace right to back him?
Football fans are always going to defend their best players, and there is no denying that Declan Rice is one of the first names on the team-sheet for the Three Lions.
Fans’ definition of ‘world-class’ is where the debate comes into it, and it is completely understandable as to why some will count him as world-class and others won’t.
Windass is very outspoken and isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers on the internet, but him – like McClean – should be able to share their football opinions online. However, likewise, they should be ready to accept criticism or arguments against their thoughts.
All that Wednesday fans will be bothered about though, is Windass focusing on his contract talks and putting pen to paper on a new deal at Hillsborough.
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