Arsenal star Declan Rice leaves James McClean red-faced with past comments after England masterclass

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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice had an evening to remember as England beat Ireland 2-0 in the Nations League.

It was a dramatic evening for Rice, who wasn’t welcomed warmly by the supporters at the Aviva Stadium.

The 25-year-old made his senior international debut for Ireland before switching sides and joining England for the remainder of his career.

As expected, the Arsenal star wasn’t received well in Dublin although, he quickly silenced those against him with a goal and an assist in the first half of England’s win.

• READ MORE: Why Declan Rice was booed at Ireland v England match

James McClean comments on Declan Rice resurface

All eyes were on Jack Grealish and Rice in the build up to the fixture, two players who previously represented Ireland.

Rice has very few fans in Ireland, with James McClean being one of them as he blasted the Arsenal man in the media during Euro 2024.

• READ MORE: Roy Keane and Arsenal icon Ian Wright agree on Declan Rice Ireland verdict

Speaking to RTE Sport during the summer tournament, the Wrexham winger explained the reasons that he believes Rice is ‘overrated’.

“I think Declan Rice is very overrated. The way the English media wax lyrical about him, I think it’s pretty over the top. For me, he’s not world class.

“To me, Toni Kroos is world class, he dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game, I don’t think Rice does that. He’s not someone who’s going to get on the half turn and play passes forward.

“If you’re going to give him [Rice] the hype then surely he’s got to do what they [Rodri & Kroos] do, get on the half turn, play passes forward and dictate the play, I don’t think he does that.”

McClean was stern when sharing his opinion on the Englishman, making comments that might have changed dramatically following England’s win over Ireland.

Rice starred for England against Ireland

The Wrexham forward was left red-faced by Rice during England’s victory at the Aviva Stadium as the midfielder pulled off exactly what McClean insisted he was incapable of.

Not only did Rice ‘dictate the play’ with a goal and an assist, but also controlled the central channel, constantly looking forward to play in his teammates.

It was a performance that epitomises what Rice can do on his day, showing the world class edge to his game that warranted his £105m price tag in 2023.

There’s no doubt that the fixture will be a difficult one for McClean to digest, with his comments earlier this year ageing like milk.