England’s Euro 2024 dream ended in heartbreak after a valiant effort against Spain in the final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion. Despite a late equalizer from Cole Palmer, La Roja secured a dramatic 2-1 victory thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute strike. However, the post-match discussion has swerved away from the narrow defeat, with fierce criticism aimed at a particular England player: Declan Rice.
A Frustrating Night for Rice: Stats Don’t Lie
Declan Rice, a mainstay in Gareth Southgate’s midfield throughout the tournament, endured a night to forget. Former Scotland international Graeme Souness, known for his scathing punditry, took aim at Rice’s performance on the “Up Front” podcast.
According to Souness, citing statistics website WhoScored.com, Rice managed a mere one completed forward pass in the entire 90 minutes. Souness expressed his disbelief, calling it “impossible” for a central midfielder to contribute so minimally in the attacking phase.
Rice’s Defensive Work Not Enough: Where Did It Go Wrong?
While Rice’s defensive contributions throughout the tournament have been lauded, his lack of attacking influence in the final was a major concern. England, known for their pragmatic approach under Southgate, struggled to create clear-cut chances against a defensively resolute Spanish side.
Some pundits believe Rice was deployed too deep, stifling his ability to get forward and connect with the attacking players. Others point towards a potential tactical mismatch, with Rice’s skillset better suited for a midfield pivot role alongside a more creative player.
Southgate’s Tactics Under Fire: Did He Misuse Rice?
The spotlight has also fallen on manager Gareth Southgate. Questions are being raised about his midfield selection and overall tactical approach. Did Southgate rely too heavily on Rice for defensive stability, neglecting his potential attacking contributions?
Southgate, known for his cautious style, might have been overly cautious against Spain, prioritizing defensive solidity over attacking intent. This approach ultimately backfired, with England struggling to break down the Spanish defense and failing to capitalize on limited opportunities.
Was Rice a Lone Culprit? England’s Midfield Struggles
It’s important to acknowledge that Rice wasn’t the only midfielder who struggled to impose himself on the game. Jude Bellingham, touted as England’s future star, was relatively quiet throughout the final.
England’s midfield, often praised for its balance and work ethic, lacked the creative spark needed to unlock a well-organized Spanish defense. The overall performance raises questions about the depth and balance within England’s midfield options.
Lessons Learned: Can England Bounce Back?
Despite the disappointment, England’s Euro 2024 campaign offered promising signs. The young squad displayed resilience and determination, reaching their first major tournament final since 1966. However, the Rice saga serves as a stark reminder of the need for improvement in key areas.
Southgate and his coaching staff will need to address the midfield concerns. Finding the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking creativity will be crucial for England’s future success. Developing a more nuanced tactical approach that can adapt to different opponents will also be key.
The Road to the World Cup: Can England Rectify Their Mistakes?
With the 2026 World Cup looming, England has an opportunity to learn from their Euro 2024 shortcomings. Integrating promising youngsters with experienced players like Rice will be essential. Additionally, exploring different tactical formations and midfield combinations could unlock the team’s true potential.
The focus should be on building a well-rounded midfield unit that can dominate possession, dictate the tempo of the game, and provide attacking thrust. Declan Rice’s defensive qualities remain valuable, but unlocking his attacking potential will be crucial for his own development and for England’s future success.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity or Stepping Stone?
The Euro 2024 final will undoubtedly be remembered as a missed opportunity for England. However, if they can learn from their mistakes and address the midfield issues highlighted by Rice’s performance, this setback could be a valuable stepping stone on their journey towards future glory.
