Several Arsenal stars have had difficult campaigns at Euro 2024, and the pressure is mounting on some to deliver for their National sides.
Kai Havertz performed well in Germany’s opening game, but has since been criticised for quiet displays in his last two appearances.
England have also had a tough tournament despite topping their group, winning just one of three games and attracting heavy criticism for their turgid performances which saw them score just twice.
Gareth Southgate’s tactics have been slammed, and two key Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have been questioned following back-to-back draws against Denmark and Slovenia.
Rice hit back at those criticising the England side heading into the Slovenia game, but a dour 0-0 draw did him no favours, and former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes has now criticised him.
Paul Scholes slams Arsenal star Declan Rice for England performances
On his Instagram Story, Scholes slammed Rice for taking too many touches, and encouraged the 25-year-old to make more forward passes.
“Mainoo will make you play, Foden and Bellingham will win you games, think forward and take less touches please Dec. Laters,” Scholes wrote.
Paul Scholes is wrong about Declan Rice’s England performances
Rice has admitted himself that his performance against Denmark was below par, but he delivered an improved display against Slovenia.
The Arsenal star has arguably been hung out to dry by Southgate’s tactics, which sees Rice isolated at the base of midfield with no support from the fullbacks, and no top-quality passer alongside him to dictate the play in possession.
Scholes has called for Rice to stop taking so many touches, but Opta stats show that Rice is in the top 10 players at the tournament when it comes to releasing the ball quickly, taking 3.0 seconds on average to release it, a better rate than elite passers such as his Arsenal teammate Jorginho with 3.2 and Germany legend Toni Kroos on 3.6.
If Southgate changes his lineup to include Kobbie Mainoo, who was impressive off the bench against Slovenia, then he may be able to get the best out of Rice, but right now no one is thriving for England, and the setup is more culpable than any player.
Scholes actually called for Man United to sign Rice before he joined Arsenal, and perhaps there is an element of bitterness from the former midfielder that a player of his quality instead chose to play under Mikel Arteta.
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.