Micah Richards is feeling sympathetic towards Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice at Euro 2024.
England scraped past Slovakia in the last 16 and it was certainly an underwhelming performance for much of the encounter.
Though, all that mattered was the result and after Jude Bellingham’s acrobatic volley in stoppage time to send the tie to extra-time, Harry Kane headed home the win setting up a quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
Speaking after the game, Richards explained why he felt for Rice and outlined what needs to change.
Micah Richards says Declan Rice has no midfield continuity
Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, former England and Manchester City defender Micah Richards admitted that he feels sorry for Declan Rice and the lack of midfield continuity.
“I feel a little bit sorry for Declan Rice,” the 36-year-old said.
“He has played a couple of games with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield and you are looking for relationships in midfield.
“He has played Gallagher and Mainoo so it’s hard for him.
“He needs that continuity to know what they want to do and how he wants to play. Although I don’t think he had his best game, it’s going to be hard for him.”
Kobbie Mainoo the ideal partner
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo is the ideal midfield partner for Rice and it seems as though he’ll be making his second start of the tournament on Saturday.
Mainoo impressed many last night as he constantly looked to drive the ball forward and poke balls in between the lines, giving Southgate’s side more of a threat.
The teenager could form a strong partnership with Rice, who just needs that little bit of consistency around him to really begin to flourish.
Defensively and at covering the ground, the Arsenal man was fantastic as ever.