Football News Update: Euro 2024, Champions League, and More
Gary Neville Believes England Must Maximize Declan Rice’s Potential
According to former England defender Gary Neville, the national team and manager Gareth Southgate need to find ways to get the best out of midfield star Declan Rice. Neville’s comments come after England’s 1-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday, where Rice partnered Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in the middle of the park.
Neville, speaking to Sky Sports, stated that Rice is one of England’s best players but believes the team is not utilizing him effectively in the holding midfield role. “What we have at this moment is a real shortage of experienced central midfield players that can play in that position. The problem is not Trent Alexander-Arnold, I don’t think we are getting the most out of Declan Rice in that holding role,” Neville said.
The former Manchester United defender suggested that Rice’s qualities would be better served in a more attacking role, similar to how Mikel Arteta has deployed him at Arsenal this season. “Declan Rice has been integral to England’s midfield in recent years, but he’s not a Rodri, he’s not a Busquets, that is not Declan Rice,” Neville added.
With the 2024 UEFA European Championship (Euro 2024) on the horizon, England will be looking to build on their recent success, which includes a runners-up finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The team’s midfield options will be crucial in their quest to win a major international tournament for the first time since 1966.
Other Football News
In other football news, the UEFA Champions League group stage draw for the 2023-24 season is set to take place on August 31st, with the competition set to kick off in September. The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is also underway, with the group stage matches currently being played. In the Premier League, the EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup competitions are all ongoing, providing plenty of excitement for football fans.
As the football calendar heats up, fans will be keen to see how England and their star players, including Declan Rice, perform on the biggest stages.
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