"For a £100m player, I want to see more than five-yard sideways and backwards passes" - Pundit calls out England star after Euro 2024 showing
Wrexham winger James McClean has doubled down on his criticism of Declan Rice after England's 1-1 draw against Denmark in the Euro 2024 group stages. The pundit hit out at the midfielder for his conservative decision-making.
The Three Lions locked horns with Denmark at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt on Thursday (20 June). Harry Kane found the back of the net in the 18th minute before Morten Hjulmand's magnificent equalizer later on in the first half.
McClean called out Rice for his display in the first half against the Danes, criticizing him for his lack of forward passes. He also pointed out Arsenal's £105 million fee they payed West Ham United last summer for the midfielder's services.
The Irishman's comments come after his initial criticism of the England international on Wednesday, claiming that he's overrated.
Speaking at half-time on RTE Sport during England's draw against Denmark, McClean said (via the Daily Mail):
"Denmark's won the midfield battle in that half. I made a comment about Declan Rice that people have got their knickers in a twist about but for a £100million player I want to see more than just five-yard sideways and backwards passes."
He added:
"He attempted one forward pass in the half and it went straight into the goalkeeper's hands. I want to see him do more, break lines, but in the battle in the first half, Denmark just won it very comfortably."
The Three Lions will next face Slovenia in their final Euro 2024 group stage fixture on 25 June.
"I think Declan Rice is overrated" - James McClean's initial comments about England star in Euro 2024
Speaking before England's Euro 2024 draw against Denmark, James McClean claimed that Declan Rice wasn't world-class, The pundit insisted that the midfielder has been overrated by the English media.
The Wrexham winger believes Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Real Madrid's Toni Kroos are a tier above Rice in the world-class category. McClean said of the Arsenal star:
"I think Declan Rice is overrated. 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. To me world class is someone who gets in every side in the world. I don't think he does that. I don't think he gets in the Man City side ahead of Rodri. To me Toni Kroos is world-class, He dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game, I don't think Declan Rice does that. Someone who gets it on the half turn, plays passes forward. He's very good at what he does."
Declan Rice has earned 53 caps for England during his career, contributing three goals. The midfielder started and played throughout both of his side's Euro 2024 group-stage fixtures.