Football News: Declan Rice Struggles to Match Arsenal Form for England at Euro 2024
In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal star Declan Rice has failed to replicate his impressive club form while representing England at the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament. According to Emmanuel Petit, a former Arsenal Premier League title winner and a European Championship and World Cup champion, the England national team’s tactics under Gareth Southgate are to blame for Rice’s underwhelming performances.
England’s 1-1 draw against Denmark in their second group stage match was yet another unconvincing display from the Three Lions. Petit was critical of Rice’s performance, noting that the midfielder was “unable to build the game from behind” and failed to “support the attack” as he does so effectively for Arsenal.
“I think it’s not working, you know, the association,” Petit told talkSPORT. “I think even for Declan Rice, I don’t recognise him. The way he was marvellous with Arsenal for the last season, he’s been magnificent. He’s been playing as a leader.”
Petit believes that Rice is “a victim of the structure, the tactics, and the players he’s got around him in midfield” within the England setup. The former French international also noted a distinct lack of unity within the England squad, which he believes is negatively impacting players like Rice.
“I think Declan Rice is trying to find his best position on the pitch,” Petit said. “Because, again, when I look at what he was doing with Arsenal, it’s a bunch of teammates, of friends, and they are all playing with closed eyes all the time because they have a trust and confidence in each other. I don’t think this is the case because the balance of the team is not right.”
Despite England’s unimpressive performances, they currently sit top of their group and are on the verge of securing a spot in the knockout stages of Euro 2024. However, the team will be looking to put on a more convincing display in their final group match against Slovenia on June 25th, as they aim to silence their critics and regain the confidence that has been lacking in their play so far.
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