One Arsenal star is now training away from the main England squad amid concerns about his fitness at Euro 2024.
Things could be about to get worse for England.
Euro 2024 has hardly been a riotous success for the Three Lions so far.
Whilst Gareth Southgate’s side have qualified for the knockout rounds in Germany, and will take on Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, their performances so far have been underwhelming to say the least.
Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have both started all three of the nation’s games in the competition so far, but neither has been able to reproduce the kind of form that they have regularly shown for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta.
The English media has levelled criticism at Rice for his showings in recent days, and it is fair to say that the 25-year-old has not been at his best.
However, the midfielder is not entirely to blame for his struggles. Southgate’s tactics hinder Rice, and do not allow him to express his natural game.
In any case, the England boss could soon be forced into resting Rice, although he will be desperately hoping that it doesn’t come to that.
Arsenal ace Declan Rice training away from England group
Due to growing concerns over his fitness, Rice is now one of two England players currently being made to train away from the rest of their teammates, in order to manage their physical load.
According to journalist Alex Howell, reporting on X: “Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier are following their own individual programme.”
Southgate will be hoping that Rice is able to start against Slovakia this weekend, as although the Arsenal man has not been firing on all cylinders in Germany, England would still miss his presence in the middle of the park enormously.
No one else in this squad can do what the former West Ham United man can do. His capacity to win the ball and break up opposition attacks is vital to Southgate’s plans for guiding his team deep into the competition.
Equally, it would be a big problem for the manager if Kieran Trippier were to be ruled out too, as Luke Shaw is already sidelined. Trippier already represents a makeshift option at left-back, and things could be about to go from bad to worse for the Three Lions in that part of the pitch.
Arteta has Arsenal stars in Marbella whilst Bukayo Saka struggles at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent poor performances at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka receiving mixed reviews for England so far, Gareth Southgate’s tactical decisions were questioned.
There was some talk about the members of the Arsenal squad currently on a surprise training camp with Mikel Arteta in Marbella, as well as a brief look at how Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are getting on at the Copa America with Brazil.