David Seaman doesn’t want 25-year-old Arsenal star playing for England this week

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David Seaman has shared why he doesn’t want one Arsenal player starting for England against Belgium tomorrow.

Arsenal have already been handed a potentially significant blow ahead of their trip to Manchester City this Sunday.

Bukayo Saka was withdrawn from the England squad last week after picking up a minor muscle injury.

It remains unclear whether or not the 22-year-old will be ready to face City this weekend, with the Gunners currently assessing his fitness. 

As for Declan Rice, his display in the 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday was lauded as ‘outstanding’ by Gareth Southgate.

But David Seaman doesn’t want the 25-year-old to be risked against Belgium tomorrow night due to Sunday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium.

Seaman wants Rice to miss England vs Belgium

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, the Arsenal legend explained why he wants Rice to be rested tomorrow night.

“I’m looking at this game and I’m just thinking, I don’t want Declan playing, if I’m honest,” Seaman said.

“He played the whole game [against Brazil] and this is Tuesday and then we’ve got a massive game at the weekend against City. That’s my Arsenal head coming into play here, he needs a rest!”

How many minutes has Rice played for Arsenal this season?

Rice has racked up a total of 39 appearances for Arteta’s side this term, playing a total of 3,261 minutes in the process.

The midfielder would certainly benefit from a week’s rest ahead of what is a crucial run of games for Arsenal.

He also played the full 90 minutes for England on Saturday and you’d imagine that Arsenal fans will be keen to see him miss out at Wembley, with a trip to City just a few days away. 

Southgate has plenty of options in the middle of the park and he may be keen to take a look at players like Kobbie Mainoo and James Maddison ahead of the Euros.

Rice is usually a guaranteed starter for the Three Lions but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him miss out on the starting XI tomorrow night.