“Without him, I don’t know what we do” - Rio Ferdinand praises ‘solid’ England star despite criticism at Euro 2024
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hailed Declan Rice for his performances at Euro 2024. Rice has come under some surprising criticism for his performances at the European Championships.
The Arsenal ace has been an undisputed starter for Gareth Southgate's team in Germany. However, some pundits have expressed displeasure over his performances, pointing out some aspects the midfielder has lacked.
Ferdinand, though, has backed Rice and has highlighted the key role the former West Ham United star has played at Euro 2024. Speaking on the Rest is Football show, Ferdinand said:
"Declan has been solid. Some people say, 'he doesn't play this, he doesn't play that.' Without him, I don't know what we do. Who plays that role in this squad? In terms of importance [he is up there]."
Watch Rio Ferdinand speak about Declan Rice:
England have reached the Euro 2024 final and will play Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 14. The Three Lions beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-finals while Spain beat France by the same scoreline in the last four.
Rice is expected to start in the midfield against Luis de la Fuente's side. England have now reached Euro finals in successive editions, reaching a major tournament final outside of home soil for the first time.
The Three Lions search for their first-ever major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. A potential win could also be a redemption for Gareth Southgate, who missed his penalty as a player in the 1996 Euro semi-final shootout against Germany.
Declan Rice's statistics in England's Euro 2024 run
Declan Rice has so far made six appearances at Euro 2024, amassing a total game time of 600 minutes. He boasts a 93.34% passing accuracy and an assist to his name.
Rice has covered a distance of 74.91 kms and has hit a top speed of 32 km/hr during the tournament. He hasn't yet received a booking during the Euros.
Rice has been unlucky not to get on the scoresheet during the ongoing competition. He hit the woodwork with a stellar long shot during the round of 16 game against Slovakia. Rice's spectacular long-range effort against Switzerland in the quarter-final needed a fingertip save from a full-stretched Yann Sommer.