Alan Shearer spotted something interesting about Arsenal star Declan Rice in England’s win vs Ireland

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Alan Shearer has a lot to say about Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after his involvement in England’s win over Ireland. 

Declan Rice started in the middle of the park in Lee Carsley’s first game in charge of England. 

The Arsenal star opened the scoring for the Three Lions, notching the fourth international goal of his career. However, given his connection with Ireland, the former West Ham United man opted not to celebrate the strike. Arsenal fans praised Rice for the gesture. 

Overall, it was an impressive performance from the 25-year-old in Dublin, which will have been welcomed by Arsenal fans, as Rice could perhaps do with the confidence boost, given what happened to him last time out with the Gunners. 

Rice was controversially sent off against Brighton. Mikel Arteta will now be without the 59-cap England star for the Gunners’ upcoming North London derby clash against bitter local rivals Tottenham Hotspur. 

Arteta will reconfigure his Arsenal midfield against Spurs, to cope with the absence of Rice, as well as the injured Mikel Merino, and perhaps even Martin Odegaard, who has been struggling with a fitness issue. 

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Declan Rice from his girlfriend to height

Alan Shearer hails Arsenal ace Declan Rice

Alan Shearer felt that Rice was a standout performer for England against Ireland.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the former Newcastle United striker highlighted the midfielder’s contribution, stating: “Declan Rice I thought was superb in midfield, always getting the ball, looking forward, driving forward. More like the Rice that we see in an Arsenal shirt.”

Rice will be central to Carsley’s plans for England, and if the Arsenal man is confident and in good form then that bodes well for the Three Lions.

Where Rice will play for Arsenal this season

Whilst Arsenal fans now face a wait before they can see Merino in action for the North London club for the first time, the question remains as to how the Spaniard and Rice will co-exist in Arteta’s plans.

The most likely outcome is that Rice becomes the slightly more defensively-minded of the duo, making the No. 6 berth, just ahead of the back four, his own, whilst the newcomer slots in as a No. 8 alongside Odegaard.

This is certainly the plan for Merino, and Rice has proven himself to be an exceptional No. 6 in his career, despite having also flourished in a more advanced role for the Gunners.