What the English press are saying now about Declan Rice after watching his performance vs Wales

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Arsenal star Declan Rice led England to a 3-0 win over Wales at Wembley.

The Three Lions were dominant in the first half and smashed three past Karl Darlow. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins put them 2-0 up before Bukayo Saka scored an absolute stunner to seal the game.

It was a very special day for Rice, even though he did not score or assist.

The Arsenal midfielder wore the England captain’s armband for just the second time and picked up his first win as his country’s skipper.

English media react to Declan Rice’s performance vs Wales

Declan Rice is one of the first names on the team sheet for both Arsenal and England.

The former West Ham star has had many partners in the middle of the park over the years – from Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips to Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton and now Elliott Anderson.

However, Rice has been the constant, and he was once again fantastic against Wales in the friendly on Thursday night.

The Independent gave him a 9/10 rating and wrote: “Another really strong display in the heart of midfield as his set-pieces consistently troubled a Wales defence that also struggled to cope with his running power and his passing.

“The link-up with Elliot Anderson looks really, really promising as the duo seem to complement each other perfectly. The first goal came from his corner and his ability from dead balls is such a weapon.”

The Metro rated him 7/10 and said: “Standing in for the injured Harry Kane as skipper, Rice pulled the strings at the heart of Tuchel’s midfield, just as he has done all season at club level with Arsenal.

“Showed real leadership in a relatively inexperienced side to further underline why he is one of Tuchel’s most trusted lieutenants heading into next year’s World Cup.”

The BBC gave him an 8/10 rating and wrote: “Captain for the night and lived up to the honour.

“Bossed the midfield with his running power and dictated the game with his passing. His corners and free-kicks were always quality.”

Declan Rice has evolved into a complete midfielder

When Arsenal signed Rice for a club record fee, he was viewed as a defensive midfielder.

However, the England international has been given a more advanced role over the last year, and that gives him a lot of freedom.

Rice doesn’t just drop deep to help in the build-up, but he also crashes into the box to have a positive impact there.

That makes him a complete midfielder, but when you add his set-piece brilliance into the mix, it becomes clear that Rice is a world-class player.