Former England player and pundit, Gary Neville, has raised concerns regarding Gareth Southgate’s decision to deploy Declan Rice in a position that he feels is inhibiting the player’s performance. Neville criticized Rice’s recent display during England’s match against Denmark, suggesting that the midfielder is ill-suited for the No.6 role assigned to him by Southgate. Neville even went so far as to draw comparisons between Rice’s abilities and those of other elite midfielders, asserting that he believes Rice would be more effective in a more advanced role.
Neville highlighted Rice’s past performances for Arsenal as evidence that he is more impactful when positioned higher up the pitch. He emphasized the necessity for a player capable of effectively distributing the ball and controlling the tempo of the game from midfield, expressing concerns about England’s lack of such a player and the need to address this issue.
In response to the criticism, Southgate conceded that the current midfield partnership of Rice and Trent Alexander-Arnold is an “experiment” and acknowledged the difficulties in finding a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips. He revealed that the team is exploring different strategies but admitted that they are not performing up to their desired standard.
The ongoing debate surrounding player positioning and tactics has ignited discussions among football enthusiasts and experts. Many are questioning Southgate’s decisions and advocating for a reassessment of the team’s midfield approach. The pressure on the England manager is mounting as he endeavors to find a resolution to the midfield puzzle in preparation for upcoming matches and tournaments.
As the football community anticipates further developments, the focus remains on Southgate and his management of the England national team. It is evident that the issue of player positioning and tactics will continue to be a subject of interest and debate among fans and professionals alike.