One talkSPORT pundit and former Premier League player has now spoken out on behalf of Arsenal star Declan Rice.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice started for England in the middle of the park last night, as the Three Lions secured a quarter-final spot at Euro 2024 with a laboured victory over Slovakia.
England were far from their best in Gelsenkirchen. The first half performance from Gareth Southgate’s side was nothing short of abysmal, and they weren’t much better after the break either.
Arsenal fans feel that Rice was able to produce a solid display, but in truth, to a man England were well below par. They were also looking destined for a humiliating exit from the competition before, with just seconds left, a Jude Bellingham bicycle kick levelled the scores in the 95th minute, sending the match to extra-time.
Having been utterly anonymous throughout the evening up to that point, Harry Kane struck quickly in extra-time to put his nation ahead in the match for the first time. After that, Rice played a key role in seeing out the victory.
The Arsenal man’s efforts may have gone somewhat under the radar given the obvious drama of the evening, but he deserves credit for his contribution to the country’s cause.
Jamie O’Hara backs Arsenal star Declan Rice to shine for England
Despite his defensive capabilities, Rice still attracted some criticism for his performance against Slovakia. One England fan called in to talkSPORT (30/06/2024, 21:49) after the match to accuse the 25-year-old of being overly cautious and conservative with his passing.
In response to this caller urging Southgate to drop Rice from the England starting XI, talkSPORT pundit and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O’Hara said: “I thought Rice was good. I think Declan Rice wants to play forward. When you watch him play for Arsenal, he always looks to play forward.”
Rice has proven that he can be an attacking force for Arsenal
O’Hara is right to speak up for Rice, who has undeniably become a huge attacking influence for the Gunners. He enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his career at the Emirates Stadium last time around, and has taken up a more advanced position under Mikel Arteta.
There is a reason that Rice is less forward-thinking for England than he is for Arsenal, and that is down to the fact that Southgate’s system and tactics hinder him. Arteta has unshackled the former West Ham United man, to the Gunners’ benefit.
Despite this, the midfielder was still almost the hero for England last night, as not too long prior to Bellingham’s goal, Rice crashed a shot from range against the post. It was by far the closest that England had come to scoring up to that point.
