Stuart Pearce has suggested that one Arsenal star is leaving international fans ‘frustrated’ by his recent performances this summer at Euro 2024.
The quarter-finals of the European championship are upon us this Friday, with Arsenal having a healthy amount of representation from Kai Havertz to William Saliba to Bukayo Saka, three players who have impressed in patches this summer.
With England on the easier side of the bracket on paper, there’s a real chance that the Three Lions could make back-to-back Euro finals if they can navigate their way through a tough quarter-final against Switzerland and a potentially enticing match with the Netherlands in the semi-final.
Yet Three Lions legend Pearce has now claimed that an Arsenal star is leaving England fans annoyed this summer.
Declan Rice accused of not being expansive enough for England
Speaking to TalkSport, Pearce brought up the idea that Declan Rice has not been as progressive or expansive enough for England as fans thought he would be, with the midfielder coming off an incredible season with Arsenal in a more advanced role.
Peace said on Rice’s performances for England: “I think his performances have frustrated one of two. I think it’s not necessarily what he has done defensively, more so what he has done when he has received the ball off the back line. They want to see a little bit more money for their buck, if you like.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Declan Rice from his girlfriend to height
“They want to see more expansive in forward passing, and I think England have frustrated the fans being very backwards and sideways and slow on the buildup from the backline into those midfield areas that Declan evolves in. And it’s down to him.
“He is the conduit to get the ball from off the backline, get turned and play forward a little more readily, and I think he has frustrated one or two by not doing it as they would like.”
England need to take a leaf out of Arsenal’s book on using Rice
With seven goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season, Rice enjoyed his most productive year yet in professional football in his first campaign with Arsenal, where the 25-year-old flourished under Mikel Arteta.
And for England, the Three Lions need to take a leaf out of the Gunners’ book on how they have used Rice in the last 12 months and what needs to be done to get the best out of the former West Ham captain.
Rice is easily one of England’s most important players and is a talent like no other in the national team set-up, and getting the best out of the Arsenal superstar could be huge heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Three Lions could be favourites.
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.
