Declan Rice bites back at England criticism
Declan Rice has fronted up media responsibilities this week during a difficult period for Gareth Southgate and England.
The Arsenal midfielder will another Three Lions cap to his collection when they take on Slovenia tonight.
But his appearances in front of the assorted media have been spiky following criticism from certain quarters following England’s drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Rice hasn’t been spared from the critics either after James McClean took aim at the Englishman.
“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,” said McClean.
“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. I know Toni Kross is now retiring, but to me Toni Kroos is world-class. He dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game, I don’t think Declan Rice does that.
“He’s not someone who is going get on the half-turn and play passes forward. He is very good at what he does.”
But Rice responded.
“I played with James for Ireland for three games and I got on with him really well.” Rice told the Independent.
“I am not going to sit here and slag him off. I thought he was a really top guy. When I left Ireland to come to England, I heard a few things he was obviously not happy about. He made comments a few years ago.
“It is what it is. I am not going to sit here and say anything about him. He’s had a great career himself – I think he is coming to the end of his career now and he’s got over a hundred caps for Ireland.
“It would be easy for me to sit here and say something back to him but, like I said, we are at opposite ends of our careers now – he’s 35 and I’m 25.
“I’ve known him, I’ve played with him, he’s entitled to his opinion and I’ve had to fight a load of those opinions from other people before.
“It might be a bit of bitterness towards me not playing for Ireland but I’ve not got a bad word to say about him, to be honest. I see the comments but I don’t try to put too much energy into it.
“It is what it is and you move on. You live and learn.”
