Declan Rice continues to be a hot topic for debate especially if your from the Island of Ireland and his performances at this summer's Euros have done little to put an end to the discussion.
Throughout his stint on RTÉ's Euro 2024 coverage, James McClean has been vocal in his criticism of once Irish teammate Declan Rice:
“I think Declan Rice is overrated,” the Derry native said.
“Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer, but the way the English media wax lyrical about him is completely over the top.
“For me, he’s not world-class,” McClean continued.
"I think Declan Rice is very overrated" - James McClean does not believe the hype around England's midfielder is justified #EURO2024 #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/CGIoXBWWmD
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 19, 2024
Current Wrexham player McClean was quick to double down on his comments regarding Rice, touching on his sideways and backwards passing throughout the group stages.
For a £100m player, I want to see more than just 5 yard sideways and backwards passes.
SEE ALSO: Roy Keane Gave Brutally Honest Assessment Of England's Euro 2024 Final Loss
Declan Rice at Euro 2024
Rice played every minute of the three lions seven matches and was partnered alongside Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo for the majority of the summer. They were far from immune to criticism though as the English media continued to scrutinise their performances throughout the tournament.
The final defeat was a reality check as the Spanish midfield controlled much of the final leaving Rice and his teammates unable to gain a foothold in the match and subsequently chasing shadows at times.
England's hopes were boosted when Spain's ever-reliable midfield general Rodri was substituted at half-time due to injury, this however had no effect on the team as they continued to control proceeding for large parts.
The standout performances of Fabian Ruiz throughout the campaign have been a huge positive for Spain. The PSG midfielder showed his excellent vision, passing and dribbling on numerous occasions on route to Luis de la Fuente's side being crowned European champions.
💔 It wasn't to be for England...
🎙️ @bbcjohnmurray & @Chris_Sutton73#Euro2024 #BBCFootball #ESPENG pic.twitter.com/1VfK38rzcM— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) July 14, 2024
Former England striker Chris Sutton was speaking to BBC 5 live post match from Berlin and was far from impressed with Rice's performance, even going as far as suggesting alternative options going forward:
"Is it time we started to look at other areas of the team? Other areas where we think 'ok we're alright in that position'...and when I say that, I mean what about Declan Rice? When you see a Spanish midfielder play, they way they knit the game together - why can't Declan Rice do that? That's not really his game. But that's something that I think England can improve"
Rice has swiftly become an integral member of Gareth Southgate's team but the Arsenal midfielder has faced criticism that he is limited in his ability to control matches like other holding midfielders in world football can do, Toni Kroos, Rodri and Vitinha to name a few.
That said, having 58 senior caps at the age of 25 is a huge achievement and no doubt there's a lot more to come from England's much-discussed midfielder.
