Wrexham’s James McClean doubles down on criticism of ‘overrated’ Declan Rice after Euro 2024 showings
James McClean says 'people have got their knickers twist' over his claim Declan Rice is 'overrated' - but he's standing by his opinion.
Rice, who briefly played with McClean for the Republic of Ireland before he switched his international allegiance to England, is playing for the Three Lions at Euro 2024.
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But despite helping his side seal a 1-0 opening win against Serbia in Group C on Sunday, McClean revealed he thought the hype around the Arsenal midfielder was 'over the top'.
"I think Declan Rice is very overrated," the Wrexham star told RTE's coverage of the Euros. "Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer but the way the English media wax lyrical about him, I think it’s completely over the top.
"For me, he’s not world class. World class to me is someone who gets in every single side in the world and I don’t think he does that.
"I don’t think he gets in the Manchester City side ahead of Rodri. I don’t think… Kroos is now retired but, to me, Toni Kroos is world class, he dictates the game.
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"Rodri dictates the game. I don’t think Declan Rice does that.
"He’s not someone who is going to get on the half turn, play passes forward. He’s very good at what he does."
Now, McClean has doubled down on his view following England's 1-1 draw against Denmark, which Rice played the entirety of.
"I think Denmark's won the midfield battle in that half," he said at half-time on Thursday. "I made comments about Declan Rice yesterday which people have got their knickers in twist about.
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"But I think for a £100million player, I want to see more than just five-yard sideways and backwards passes. He attempted one forward pass in the half and it went straight into the keeper's hands.
"I want to see him do more. Break lines."
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Rice was also handed a 2/10 rating by talkSPORT's Adrian Durham's player ratings for Thursday's performance.
The midfielder has been a key star for Gareth Southgate over the last two major tournaments, but much like his teammates, he struggled to get a hold of the game against the Danes.
Nevertheless, England remain top of their group, with qualification still very likely.
talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of EVERY game at Euro 2024. Tune in via the website or the app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the latest news, views and reaction to the big moments.
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