As England prepares to face Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, Rio Ferdinand has pinpointed Declan Rice as the linchpin of the Three Lions’ squad, dismissing criticisms aimed at the Arsenal midfielder.
Following England’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the semi-finals, Ferdinand, speaking on The Rest Is Football, emphasized Rice’s indispensable role in Gareth Southgate’s setup.
“Declan’s been solid. He gets a bad rap, I think. ‘He doesn’t play this, he doesn’t play that,'” Ferdinand remarked, highlighting Rice’s often underappreciated contributions.
Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender and England international, underscored Rice’s critical function in midfield, noting, “Without him, I don’t know what we do. Who plays that role in this squad? In terms of importance, he’s unmatched.”
Reflecting on other standout performers, Ferdinand praised the emergence of young talents like Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, and Jude Bellingham, each making significant impacts throughout the tournament.
Mainoo, in particular, earned acclaim not only for his on-field prowess but also for his composed demeanor under tournament pressure, attributed in part to his family’s supportive influence.
“Mainoo has been a joy to watch,” Ferdinand commented. “His calm and level-headed approach, evident even under immense pressure, speaks volumes about his character and preparation.”
