England star Declan Rice ‘frustrated’ by Gareth Southgate request which never happens at Arsenal

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Arsenal star Declan Rice had an outstanding season at club level, but has endured a tough start to England’s Euro 2024 campaign.

Rice struggled as England faltered to a disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark in their second group game, and questions have since been asked about what his best midfield role is.

The 25-year-old performed superbly at the base of midfield for Arsenal, but reached a different level as a more advanced option with Jorginho or Thomas Partey behind him. He returned to the base against Denmark, and looked a shadow of himself.

The Arsenal star has now admitted his disappointment with his display, but also explained how Gareth Southgate’s England tactics differ from how Mikel Arteta sets his side up.

Declan Rice admits frustration with England performances

Speaking ahead of England’s final Euro 2024 group stage clash with Slovenia, Rice explained how he wanted his National side to push higher up the pitch like he does with Arsenal.

“My game is being on the front foot. I love being on the front foot as a midfielder, anticipating passes. I hate having to be stuck in one position and that is why, in the last game, I was really frustrated with myself because I couldn’t get up to their midfield players,” he stated.

“I don’t want people to think I am comfortable sitting in a position where I am allowing opposition to play.

“With my season at Arsenal, I’ve been constantly wanting to be on the front foot, win balls higher up the pitch. That’s the mindset of the team as well and I think we’ll see that tomorrow in the way we are going to approach the game and the way we are going to go for it.”

How Declan Rice’s midfield roles differ for Arsenal and England

In the last few months at Arsenal, Rice has played as a number eight, with a top ball progressor in Partey or Jorginho behind him.

This has allowed Arsenal to build up play well, and find Rice in positions higher up the pitch. In addition, the Englishman has been outstanding at winning the ball in the opposition half, with the freedom to push forward and even contribute to goals and assists.

For England, it is a different story. Rice was asked to play at the base of midfield by Southgate. When he performed this role well at Arsenal, he had Oleksandr Zinchenko or Thomas Partey inverting into midfield from their fullback positions.

With Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier staying wide, and midfielders Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold pushing high up, Rice was isolated in midfield for England, and was asked to both shield the back four and dictate the game.

England sat deep against Denmark, and Rice found himself unable to push forward as he faced an onslaught alone. Whilst he delivered an underwhelming display, Southgate’s tactical setup meant that he was destined to struggle compared to how Rice is used at Arsenal.