Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice started for England against the Netherlands in a Euro 2024 semi-final clash in Dortmund on Wednesday night.
England and the Netherlands went head to head with a place in the competition’s final against Spain on Sunday up for grabs. A last gasp winner from Ollie Watkins was enough to send the Three Lions through via a 2-1 scoreline.
Declan Rice’s importance to Gareth Southgate can scarcely be overstated. There is no one else in the national team squad who can truly replicate his role in the side. Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has been impressed by how Rice’s performances have improved as the competition has progressed.
However, the Arsenal man did not make the best start against the Dutch. With just 7 minutes on the clock, the ball was robbed off the 25-year-old in his own half by Xavi Simons, who then spectacularly dispatched it into the top corner from range.
Overall, it was far from Rice’s best game. Whilst he made a handful of important contributions, his play on the ball was ponderous and conservative.
This was not the Rice that Arsenal fans have become used to seeing. Mikel Arteta has taken the player’s game to the next level in his time at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta encouraged Rice to take up a more advanced role, and the England man has proven that he can have an impact at both ends of the pitch.
Southgate’s tactics have hindered Rice in the past. On this occasion, though, England were more progressive and adventurous as a team, but it seems that the Arsenal man didn’t get the memo.
He will absolutely need to be at his very best on Sunday, though, as Spain will offer a far greater challenge in the middle of the park.
What Arsenal star Declan Rice must do when England face Spain in Euro 2024 final
In the likes of Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, Spain have a brilliant blend of power and guile, of technicality and physicality, in their midfield unit. If they are allowed to boss the game, then they will.
Rice’s main priority has to be to stifle the opposition in this part of the pitch. He must win his duels, throw himself into the nitty gritty aspects of the contest, and frustrate his opponents at every turn.
The 56-cap England international also needs to be bolder on the ball. His side are entering into this final as underdogs, based on form, and will need to hit Spain quickly and efficiently if they are going to get the win they crave. Rice has to generate momentum for England when they are in possession, rather than sap it.
This requires him to have outlet balls ahead of him though. The movement from the likes of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane needs to be constant and sharp.
Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka shines v Netherlands
Whilst Rice struggled on Wednesday, his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka was able to carry more of a threat. The 22-year-old will have come into this game on a high, as he was the Three Lions’ hero during their quarter-final triumph over Switzerland.
Arsenal and England fans were again impressed by Saka against the Netherlands.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
