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Paul Merson says ‘good’ Arsenal player isn’t being used correctly
England got all the way to the final of Euro 2024, but their deep run in the tournament masked a number of issues that cropped up during the campaign.
Indeed, throughout the entirety of the tournament England were mostly poor, and many of theꦿir star players didn’t turn up.
One player who had a underwhelming Euros was Declan Rice.
The midfielder really didn’t make much of an impact for the Three Lions, and that was very disappointing off the back of what was a fantastic season for Arsenal.
Speaking on the , P🔯aul Merson has been discussing Rice’s struggles at the Euros, and he says that he thinks the midfielder was being played in the wrong position for England.
Declan Rice being played out of position
Merson shar🦂ed his verdict on Rice’s performances for his country.
“I felt sorry for Declan Rice. I don♌’t think he’s a holding midfield player. I think he’s one of the eights now,” Merson said.
“When him and Odegaard play and it’s Partey or Jorginho holding, I think he’s a better player where he can burst forward. He find🐠s it hard in tight positions, but if he’sཧ running with the ball at pace, he gets his head up and he can pass the ball.
“He’s s♊till a good player, in my opinion. I just think he’s played in the wrong position.”
England’s midfield conundrum
Whoever the next England manager is h🦹as a big job on their hands sorting this midfield out.
As Merson says, Rice is better in a more advanced role, but you can’t afford to use the Arsenal star in this way when the likes of Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Kobbie Mainoo all want to pꦅlay further forward as well.
As🔜 frustrating as it may be in soℱme ways, Rice’s future in the England team may well be as a holding player protecting the defence.