Arsenal Invincible explains why criticism of Declan Rice has been ‘harsh’ before Euro 2024 final

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Arsenal star Declan Rice has been criticised in recent weeks for his performances at Euro 2024, but England have reached the final.

Rice was exceptional in the quarter-final against Switzerland, but the Arsenal midfielder was far from his best against the Netherlands in the next round.

Many have criticised his ability to play in deep midfield, compared to the more advanced role he adopted under Mikel Arteta.

Rice is set to face Rodri in the final against Spain, and he recently explained why comparisons between the two players were not entirely accurate.

The 25-year-old was even criticised in The Netherlands after the semi-final, but Arsenal Invincible Martin Keown has now defended Rice.

Martin Keown defends Arsenal star Declan Rice after recent criticism

Speaking to talkSPORT, Keown claimed that criticism of Rice has gone overboard, and that Gareth Southgate’s tactics have hindered him.

“I think that’s harsh. I think we made it impossible for Declan. I think you will find that he has probably run the most distance of any player in this tournament, and that is more to do with the fact that we have not quite understood the tactics completely in this position,” he stated.

“We have changed it with the 3-4-3 which has given us an extra man in midfield, so he doesn’t have to run quite as far.”

How England tactics have hindered Declan Rice

Rice had to play with a different midfield partner for three consecutive games, with Trent Alexander-Arnold starting the tournament, Conor Gallagher replacing him and Southgate eventually settling on Kobbie Mainoo.

The 4-3-3 shape in the first few games left Rice completely isolated at the base of midfield, but the introduction of Mainoo and the change in formation did help, as shown by his performance against Switzerland.

Rice made a costly error against The Netherlands, and looked far from his usual self, but he has still performed well in terms of ball-winning and covering ground, and he will have a big part to play in the final.