Trent Alexander-Arnold is “one of the best players I’ve ever seen,” according to Declan Rice, who also maintains that he is more than capable of starting for England in the midfield come Euro 2024.
At the Euros, Alexander-Arnold, an English natural right-back, moved into the midfield to accompany Rice, albeit the switch has not always worked out.
The Three Lions struggled to a 1-0 victory against Serbia in their tournament opener, and on Thursday they drew 1-1 with Denmark, drawing criticism for their lack of discipline and rhythm in the midfield.
Alexander-Arnold has been singled out by several experts as one of the primary reasons England is trying to deceive in Germany; Roy Keane, the former captain of Manchester United, has said that Alexander-Arnold has been “found out” and ought to be benched.
Rice, however, feels that Alexander-Arnold still has a place in England’s midfield and has called out the hypocrisy of commentators and supporters who have “reversed course” on their opinions of the Liverpool star.
It’s amusing since, prior to England’s last group match against Slovenia, Rice told ITV, “people were calling for Trent to play in midfield.” Trent is being called upon by half the nation to play in midfield, and when he does, you want to take him out.
“It’s not something I understand at all,” Till the day I take off my England shirt, I will stand up for all of my boys. Among the greatest players I’ve ever seen is Trent.
Don’t ask someone to fill a position just to change your mind later on because you believe he’s having a rough day or anything.
Trent has the ability to play in the middle of the field. I’ve witnessed it for Liverpool and England. He’s amazing.
After the Three Lions were drawn with Denmark, critics attacked Rice, who had a fantastic debut season at Premier League runners-up Arsenal.
In addition to Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Shearer, and former England striker Gary Lineker, all criticized the performance harshly, calling it “s***.”
Rice remarked, “I’ve played football long enough to know how they work, so I’m not disappointed [by the criticism].” I’m not at all worried by it because of this.
“Look, they have a right to their viewpoint.” While on television, they say whatever they want. Some of them I personally know. These guys are awesome.
However, as I previously mentioned, they have also been in our position, and occasionally it’s just to have that mental process right before they speak.
They have occupied my seat and the seats of our other players who have performed poorly in competitions. Now, I’m not sure why we perceive ourselves as such a bad thing. We are conversing as though we are about to exit this tournament.
Though disappointing in Germany, England will go to the European Championship knockout stages as Group C champions if they defeat Slovenia, who secured two 1-1 draws with Denmark and Serbia.
“We’re leading the group; we need to maintain our positive attitude,” Rice continued. Let’s approach the games with some optimism.
Let’s bestow upon the athletes the utmost confidence possible. They are told they are the best players in the world by athletes like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden.
Instead of thinking that they can’t play a certain way after reading the unfavorable remarks that have been bothering them. That’s my perspective on it. And that’s excellent because I’m sure we have enough of those people.
Ahead of the last group games on Tuesday night, Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia have the opportunity to go to the knockout stages, where England is leading Group C.