Ian Wright believes that what Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice did on Sunday has largely gone unnoticed as England just about edged Slovakia at Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate must be wondering how exactly his England side are now preparing for a quarter-final, with the Three Lions seconds away from going out of Euro 2024 with a whimper at the weekend.
Goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane got England across the line, and fans will hope that that was the victory which proves to be the turning point in their tournament – with the Euro 2020 finalists proving to be poor in all four games so far.
Declan Rice has looked tired at times during this tournament, and Stuart Pearce described Rice’s performance in Gelsenkirchen as flat – but it would appear that some would completely disagree with that assessment.
Ian Wright lauds Declan Rice as England squeeze past Slovakia
Speaking on Wrighty’s House, Ian Wright suggested that he was blown away by the Arsenal star’s display – and believes that it may not get enough credit.
“Can I just say, Stat Man Dave, he said Declan Rice’s game by numbers. 109 touches, 100% tackles won, 100% duels completed, 90% pass accuracy, 80 passes completed, seven out of seven long passes. The man had an unbelievable game,” he said.
“An unbelievable game in a game where Jude and Harry will get the plaudits but when you look at those numbers and stats that’s how you are able to win that match. Of course, Jude’s overhead kick was spectacular but these kind of numbers and what he’s doing would have disappeared into nothing if Jude doesn’t come up with this match winning ability that he has got. Declan has got to get flowers for this game.”
Midfielder running on fumes after amazing season with Arsenal
There have been signs that Rice is feeling the effects of a long and turbulent season for Arsenal, with the midfielder making well over a half century of appearances for club and country.
Some felt Rice had his worst England game in the group-stages against Denmark, and clearly, not everyone was as impressed as Wright by his performance against Slovakia.
But England face a maximum of three more games at this tournament, and figures such as Rice will need no encouragement to go again over the coming days. He will find a way to give absolutely everything to help England clear that final hurdle that proved to be just a fraction too big three years ago.
