Paul Merson has suggested that one Arsenal player is causing a number of problems for his national team at Euro 2024 as he never appears to be in the right position.
Arsenal are represented by a number of players as the knockout stages loom in Germany – which is hardly surprising given that they have been Manchester City’s closest rival in the Premier League over the last two years.
It seems safe to say that a number of the heavyweights and favourites are yet to find their top gear at Euro 2024, with the likes of England, France and Belgium almost stumbling into the last 16.
England have arguably been the biggest disappointment so far, with Gareth Southgate’s men scoring just two goals in their three group games. But rather than pin the blame on the attackers, Paul Merson believes that Declan Rice is causing some issues with how he is playing.
Paul Merson says England have a problem with Declan Rice
Rice has been England’s most defensive midfielder, and has hardly shone alongside the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher. Rice arguably had his worst game for England in the draw with Denmark.
And speaking on Football’s Greatest, Merson suggested that Rice’s role really does not play to his strengths.
“I don’t think we get out enough. The more I’m watching it now, I’m a massive fan of Declan Rice, I like Declan Rice, but he’s got to play further forward,” he said.
“He doesn’t get on the half turn and lose his marker as well as a Rodri, or someone like that. When Stones and Guehi have got the ball, you have the forward there from the other team and Declan Rice never gets into the right position. He is always either standing behind, or he comes in front of him, where if he gets it in front of him, it makes no difference as well. So I think that’s a problem as well.”
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Rice definitely appeared to play his best football for Arsenal once he was pushed into more of a number eight role, with Jorginho or Thomas Partey alongside him.
The 25-year-old is more than capable of playing in the deeper position, having enjoyed so much success in an England shirt, but he is arguably the one having to make a sacrifice due to the amount of attacking quality England have.
The problem Southgate now potentially has is that Kobbie Mainoo has got very few minutes so far in the tournament, while Adam Wharton has not featured at all. So it would be a gamble to change Rice’s role now.