The English press have given their verdict on Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after last night’s performance against Slovenia at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions just about managed to top their group and to book their ticket on the more favourable side of the tournament bracket, with England fans once again subject to another torrid display out in Germany.
Although Rice and Bukayo Saka have impressed earlier in the tournament, the duo were noticeably off the boil last night against Slovenia, with England only mustering a 0-0 draw in Cologne to top the group with two draws and a win.
And the English media have now shared what they thought of Rice’s performance against Slovenia.
Rice slammed by the English media after disappointing result vs Slovenia
Given the nature of the performance and the disappointing final result, it’s no real surprise that Rice has today been slammed by the English media after the full-time result against Slovenia.
The Daily Mail highlighted that the 25-year-old looked ‘unrecognisable’ compared to his performances with Arsenal this season, where Rice has been a revelation in the midfield alongside Martin Odegaard.
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The Independent were also critical of how Rice performed in Cologne, with the England midfielder criticised for contributing ‘very little in advanced areas’, something the Arsenal star has thrived at this season under Mikel Arteta.
Finally, the Guardian were not impressed with Rice’s passing in the opening half, though their rating of the Arsenal man does go on to say how the midfielder ‘offered more stability’ after the restart in Cologne.
England simply have to get the best out of Rice in the knockout stages
Rice is regarded as arguably England’s most important alongside Harry Kane, with the midfielder a staple for the Three Lions ever since making a name for himself in the national team.
And heading into the knockout stages, England simply have to find a way to get the best out of Rice, who could be instrumental in Gareth Southgate’s side bringing football home for the first time since 1966.
Indeed, we know what Rice is capable of after his outstanding year with Arsenal, and heading into the knockout round of the Euros, England must do all they can to unleash the 25-year-old.
Arsenal winners and losers at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed the first few days of the European Championships. With Arsenal players such as Kai Havertz and Kieran Tierney experiencing mixed starts to the tournament, the pair assessed which Gunners were the winners and losers from the group stages so far.
There was some talk about transfers based off the Euros, with Arsenal-linked Amadou Onana’s display for Belgium discussed, whilst Leandro Trossard’s poor performance was analysed, and Bukayo Saka’s sensational England showing lauded.