The statistics from Declan Rice’s performance for England v Slovenia prove one thing about the Arsenal midfielder.
England were far from their best in Cologne on Tuesday evening as they played out an uninspiring 0-0 draw against Slovenia in their final group game of Euro 2024.
Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka both started the game, but neither could provide a decisive moment. Gunners legend Lee Dixon even seemed pleased to see Saka taken off with twenty minutes to go.
Meanwhile, Rice has been pushing back against the criticisms of Gareth Southgate’s side. The Three Lions have been called out by the press for their underwhelming showings at the tournament so far.
Rice recently called on the media to show more support for the team. However, he and his England teammates did little to prove their doubters wrong on Tuesday.
It was another turgid display from England, who can consider themselves fortunate to have topped their Euro 2024 group, by virtue of the goalless draw between Denmark and Serbia going in their favour.
However, the numbers suggest that Rice was a more effective presence in the middle of the park for England than might have otherwise been assumed.
What the stats say about Declan Rice after England 0-0 Slovenia
It was not a particularly eye-catching display from the 25-year-old, but that stats show that the Arsenal midfielder did in fact have a very decent game.
According to Statman Dave, reporting on X, the former West Ham United man successfully completed 100% of his long passes, attempted dribbles, and tackles.
He also led all England players on the pitch when it came to successfully making three tackles and playing two key passes.
Rice has certainly struggled shine for England as he has so often for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. There are reasons for this beyond his control though. Southgate’s tactics hinder Rice in a manner that he doesn’t have to deal with at Arsenal, where he operates in a system designed to coax the best out of him.
What Arsenal star Rice needs to shine for England
In order to see Rice fire on all cylinders for England, Southgate needs to adjust the way his team plays. When the Three Lions are more adventurous, stretching the game and pushing further up the field, they create space for Rice to run into and offer him targets to aim for with more progressive passes.
However, the negativity that has defined England at Euro 2024 so far has not only frustrated fans and led to dull performances but has also stifled Rice.