"Come on, it’s serious stuff" - Roy Keane hits out at 'delicate' Arsenal star after latest Euro 2024 display
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has slammed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice following his recent display for England at Euro 2024. The Three Lions were held to a 0-0 draw by Slovenia in their final Group C game, ending the group stage with just one win and two draws.
Ahead of the game, Rice had asked the press and pundits to encourage the team after they were blasted for their lackluster showing against Denmark. Keane was not impressed by the team or Rice's performance in the following game against Slovenia.
The former Manchester United captain believes that modern players are less capable of handling criticism. He told ITV (via HITC):
“I definitely think the modern player seems to be a bit more delicate to criticism. I judge players by their actions. We know how quickly football changes and if England put on a good performance or win tonight. Declan Rice is talking about, ‘show some love’. Listen, come on, it’s serious stuff. This is football stuff. People have made huge sacrifices to travel. You get the love back when you perform.”
England secured passage to the Round of 16 as Group C toppers at Euro 2024. Rice is one of the leaders in the Three Lions camp and will hope to return to winning ways with his national team quickly.
Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere hails Declan Rice's performance in Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia
Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere hailed Declan Rice's performance for England in the Three Lions' 0-0 draw against Slovenia at Euro 2024. While the Group C winners did not claim a win on the night, the defensive midfielder showed enough to impress Wilshere.
Rice was a metronome in the middle of the park for Gareth Southgate's side, keeping things ticking effectively as he completed 91.4% of his passes in the game.
“We had more of the ball and seemed more in control. But I wanted us to be braver,” said Wilshere (via HITC). “It proves the point that Declan Rice can do that position on his own. It sounds strange to say it, but even though he was in a more withdrawn role, he seemed to have more freedom to get forward.”
England will be keen to keep the Arsenal man performing at a high level for them at Euro 2024. The Three Lions will face their opponents in the Round of 16 on June 30 at Gelsenkirchen.