England national media deliver verdict on Arsenal’s Declan Rice after Euro 2024 final defeat vs Spain

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Following England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, the national media issued their verdict on Declan Rice’s performance.

Arsenal would’ve been keeping close tabs on the match yesterday, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka both involved.

They also would’ve been monitoring two Spanish players who they’ve been heavily linked with in recent weeks; Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.

Ultimately, it ended in disappointment for the England duo and the media have now delivered their verdict on how Rice performed.

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Declan Rice ‘poor’ in possession

Sky Sports have published their post-match ratings and it doesn’t make for particularly good reading for Rice.

“Early shot blocked by Rodri. Typically combative and sound positioning as he took a nasty set of studs to the midriff off Olmo,” Ben Ground and Richard Morgan wrote.

“Fortunate not to concede a penalty for holding Aymeric Laporte inside the box. A story that went somewhat under the radar was that he rarely excelled in any match all tournament after a long season with Arsenal but this was as poor as he’s been in possession.

“Pace of Spain’s passing and pressing was too much for him.”

Declan Rice needs a rest

Evidently after a long season with Arsenal and now England, Rice is in need of a rest before pre-season kicks off.

The 25-year-old’s game places a great deal of emphasis on covering the pitch and sweeping up any danger, so he’ll naturally need a lengthy period of recovery time.

Arsenal are set to jet off to the US for a tour later this month, though, it seems Rice won’t be part of the squad during the first part.

In other news, an Arsenal coach is urging Mikel Arteta to sign a ‘promising’ Real Madrid target.