Declan Rice faces criticism from former England and Ireland players

In recent developments, Declan Rice, a key member of Gareth Southgate's England squad, has responded to negative comments from former England players regarding the team's performances in the Euro 2024 matches against Serbia and Denmark. Criticism from ex-pros, including Gary Lineker, has sparked debate within the football community. Lineker's comment on his podcast, The Rest Is Football, labeling the Three Lions as 's***', drew reactions from players like Jarrod Bowen and Harry Kane, who emphasized the potential harm of such negativity. Rice, unfazed by the criticism, highlighted the importance of maintaining positivity and confidence within the team, urging for support rather than criticism. Despite the external scrutiny, England has the opportunity to secure the top spot in Group C by defeating Slovenia in their upcoming match. A draw could also be sufficient for England to lead the group, provided Denmark does not win against Serbia. However, James McClean, a former Republic of Ireland star, has continued his critique of Rice's performance, particularly focusing on his passing style during the match against Denmark. McClean expressed disappointment in Rice's play and questioned his abilities, suggesting that the midfielder is overrated and not on par with elite defensive midfielders like Rodri and Toni Kroos. McClean's comments have reignited the debate surrounding Rice's skill level and contribution to the England squad. Despite his controversial switch from representing Ireland to England in 2019, Rice has been a significant presence in the national team, playing a crucial role in their recent tournament successes. As England prepares for their upcoming fixture against Denmark, Rice's performance and leadership within the team will be under scrutiny, with expectations high for a strong showing to secure qualification to the knockout stages. The ongoing discussion surrounding Declan Rice's talent and impact on the England squad reflects the diverse opinions within the football community. While some praise Rice for his contributions, others, like McClean, question his status as a world-class player. As the Euro 2024 tournament progresses, the spotlight remains on Rice and his ability to deliver on the pitch, with both supporters and critics closely monitoring his performance and influence on the team's success.