"They have been where I’m sat, where our other players have sat and not done well" - Declan Rice responds to criticism from ex-England players
Arsenal defensive midfielder Declan Rice has responded to criticism from former England players for the Three Lions' performances at Euro 2024. The Three Lions managed a 1-0 win against Serbia in the tournament's opening match, followed by a 1-1 draw against Denmark.
Gareth Southgate’s squad has been heavily criticized by pundits and former players for their performances in Euro 2024. While speaking to the press ahead of England’s upcoming clash against Slovenia on June 25, Rice was asked (by ITV’s Gabriel Clarke):
"Are you disappointed that a lot of the criticism has been coming from former players who’ve been at tournaments and maybe been through the same thing?"
The 25-year-old replied:
"No, I’m not disappointed because I’ve played football long enough now, I know how they work. That’s why I really do not get bothered about it at all. Look, they’re entitled to their opinion. They’re on TV, they’re saying whatever they want. I know some of them personally. They’re great guys."
"But, like I said, they’ve been in our shoes as well and sometimes just to have that thought of process, you know, just before they speak. They’ve been where I’m sat, where our other players have sat and not done well at tournaments. So look, I don’t know why we feel like such a negative thing. We’re talking like we’re going out of the tournament here," continued Declan Rice.
Declan Rice made his debut for England in 2019 and has netted three goals in 53 appearances for his nation.
"We’re top of the group, we need to stay positive, stay upbeat" - Declan Rice on the criticism received by England's squad in Euro 2024
England are first in Group C with four points from two matches. Speaking about his national squad and the criticism they have received during the ongoing tournament, Declan Rice said (via ITVX):
"We’re top of the group, we need to stay positive, stay upbeat. Let’s have some positivity going into games. Let’s give players the best confidence in the world. Players like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, tell them they’re the best players in the world. Make them read that and think ‘I’m going to go out there and perform and give it absolutely everything'."
"Rather than reading the negative comments sitting on their mind and then thinking that they can’t play a certain way. That’s the way I think about it. And I’m sure we have enough of them people as well which is good," added the midfielder.
England were the runners-up in the UEFA European Championship in 2020, losing against Italy on penalties in the final. The Three Lions are yet to claim the European Championships title but are among the favorites for the ongoing edition of the tournament.