Declan Rice defends Trent Alexander-Arnold, criticizes negative Euro 2024 media coverage

Despite not playing their best in the first two matches, England tops Group C with four points, yet faces criticism on various fronts including fitness, player roles, and Harry Kane's involvement.

Chirag

June 24, 2024

Declan Rice Comes In Support Of Trent Alexander Arnold — Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Despite not being at their best in their first two matches of the tournament, England currently leads Group C with four points. Nevertheless, various aspects of their game have come under scrutiny, including their overall fitness, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s effectiveness in a midfield role, Phil Foden’s optimal position, and Harry Kane’s level of involvement. However, Declan Rice remains optimistic about the Three Lions’ prospects ahead of their final group stage match against Slovenia.

In an ITV interview, Rice addressed the negative media coverage with a passionate response, growing increasingly animated as he spoke.

“I don’t know why we feel like it’s such a negative thing,” he said. “We’re talking like we’re going out of the tournament here. We’re top of the group, we need to stay positive, stay upbeat. Let’s have some positivity going into games. Let’s give players the best confidence in the world. Players like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, tell them they’re the best players in the world. Make them read that and think ‘I’m going to go out there and perform and give it absolutely everything’, rather than reading the negative comments sitting on their mind and then thinking that they can’t play a certain way. That’s the way I think about it. And I’m sure we have enough of them people as well which is good.”

Rice also defended Alexander-Arnold against recent criticism, especially after many fans had previously called for him to play in midfield. Alexander-Arnold is expected to be benched for the match against Slovenia.

“Half the country are calling for Trent to play in midfield,” Rice said. “You play him in midfield and you want to bring him down. I don’t get it. I don’t get it at all.”

“I’ll defend all of my boys until I never put on an England shirt. Trent is one of the best players I’ve ever seen. Don’t call for someone to play in a position and then backtrack all because you think he’s had a bad game or something. I’ll tell you now, Trent can play in midfield. I’ve seen it at England, I’ve seen it for Liverpool. He’s unbelievable. That’s what I say to the people that you see say this type of stuff.”

Rice is correct in noting that England has nearly secured a spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024. However, fans and pundits expect a much-improved performance from Gareth Southgate’s team against Slovenia on Tuesday night. A win will guarantee them the top spot in the group and an easier opponent in the first knockout round.