Declan Rice

You're just an Irishman digging him out because he chose England over Ireland, same as the other mugs on here, give it a rest.

played alright tonight I thought

actual shot on target

lovely thigh though. cheers.

Went missing for both goals tonight. Tuchel took him off 3 minutes before the first and you were behind within 10 mins of him going off.

Has been abject all tournament. Did get a corner passed the first man tonight all be it to one of theirs.

Helped make our goal.

Passed a ball 5 yards to Rogers. Yes it was all down to him.

Like I said,help make it.

Think the pass came off his shin. He was trying to cross it

1-0 up when he went off.10 minutes later we're out.

Has not influenced any game in the tournament. Has been out on his feet in most of the games and has hardly had a kick in the oppositions half. I think Keane and Scholesy know his limits. Proper midfield players and I'm not a United fan. So you think if he stays on we win tonight. Methinks not.

Winning the second ball and giving it to Rogers is all that is expected of Rice. He is not there to create. I don't know why people expect that of him. Not his role in the team to influence the game, other than from set-pieces which were awful. The bloke is operating at about 70% too, possibly less and plays nearly every minute.

Water Carrier

Couldn't even catch the goalscorer to celebrate when Gordon scored. Everyone blowing smoke up this guys arse. He comes over as a lovely lad but he's not been up to it plain and simple.

Mes I'm an Irish man and couldn't care less about that switch of Country stuff. You contually defend him because he's at Arsenal. The ott from the media regarding him is sickening. And from some fans as well. 'Best midfielder in the World' we hear. Total nonsense.

Felt sorry for Declan obviously not right after his illness yet Tuchel thinks a sick Rice is better than Eze or Mainoo

Yes played ok, involved in build up for our goal and a shot on target He didn't go missing until Tuctel subbed him, then we missed him conceding both goals.

So much for form over reputation.

Storm Alert another perfect example of my point

So the Irish posters who are always digging out Rice are not doing it because they're Irish

But the Arsenal defending Rice are doing so because they're Arsenal fans?

Turn it in ffs

Rice has had long hard season playing 90 minutes every game for Arsenal and in the  Champions League all the way to the final, extra time and pens. Of course he's tired, mentally and physically, but why make a thread about him when you can do it about any players. England didn't lose because of Rice, we began to lose 3 minutes after he went off.

The Golden Child who can do no wrong Kane goes Missing yet again, completely anonymous. He's far more worthy of criticism after a season in Germany that was hardly mentally or physically taxing.

Kind Regard.

Should have sent his missus to the hotel, that would have got him out of bed.

Mes again I say I couldn't care less about that stuff. Sure Kane and Bellingham have Irish blood as well. Again your Arsenal bias shines through and if Rice played for anyone else you'd have a different opinion. Just as you would about Kane if he'd never played for Spurs. Kane and Bellingham kept England in the tournament up to now. Poor games last night but Rice has been average at best all competition. Ive done my money as I'd backed England to win the comp but the best team won last night.

Jeez claiming England lost because Rice was taken off is up there with any post Piers Morgan made on X yesterday.

So yet again you're telling me you're Irish and you don't care about that switch but then in the same breath you insist  I am bias because he's an Arsenal player? So we are too believe you, but not to believe me - because you say so would you give it a rest and stop insulting our intelligence.

I've already said he's tired, he hasn't been at his best, but he is one of many, he is not the problem, the problem last night was Tuchel's poor in-game management, Kane not showing up, the defence changing every single game, not once was it the same back 4 in all seven matches, Anderson looked average, just signed for City for 116 million, Rice having a much longer and harder season that the rest of the squad clearly deserves more leeway than any other player anyway.

Kind Regards.

Your comparison is nonsense tbh. You're currently an Arsenal fan. It's a long time since I've been bothered about the Irish National team. Nothing to do with results, just find International football in general poor and have for some years. Of course the interest is there for the WC or Euros finals but a lot of that is probably from a betting perspective. Re Rice I agree anyone who plays many games at this stage of a long season is bound to be tired. I just cant agree he's this World Class top midfielder that the likes of yourself and the English media keep pushing him as. Not yet anyhow. Arsenal alone Viera is still on a different level imop. Many would say Petit is as well. Anderson spent a lot of the tournament looking for frees and falling to the ground. Kane seems to do this as well with England yet not with Bayern.

It's seems obvious to me, you barely post on this forum but of course decide to post on a Declan Rice thread. It's not the English media and fans who regard Rice so highly, it was a Spaniard who decided he wanted him for a hundred mil and a German that plays him as first choice in the middle of the park.

Kind Regards.

N IRELAND/IRELAND fan. I really do feel that the long season, the tension etc etc has taken a strain on Rice and Saka, neither was at it 100% towards the end of the season as they were carrying injuries. Saka in particular keeps getting small niggly injuries. Then went to the World Cup and before long, they will start the EPL. So I am taking my view from a neutral stance, and I do not support an EPL team.

ASF, I dont support an EPL side either but Mes is obviously pig headed about his guy so its like talking to the wall. First it was England lost because Rice was subbed, now he's actually saying its everyone else bar English media and fans who go ott about Rice. Totally bizarre stuff.

Give it a rest, you're fooling nobody, you're trying to disguise your hatred of Rice because of his 'deflection' and the only way you can do that is by pretending 'you don't care about that', yet of course you have no biasm, but I do, because it's suits your argument, turn it in you absolute mug.

MJK, you are well off the mark on this occasion.

I was responding to the OP comment Went missing against Argentina 2026.

Well he didn't, Declan Rice played 82 minutes, created 2 chances, completed 100% of his dribbles, made 7 defensive contributions and won 4/5 ground duels. Is he playing at his best... of course not, he looks knackered to me after a hard season, more or less playing a match every three days since late December, and apparently is carrying a long term minor injury. For whatever reason when Rice came off, England conceded two goals in about 10 mins, that's a fact. What is interesting is Tuchel prefers Rice to a few fully fit players he could have chosen.

Mes youre totally deluded in your rage. I really couldn't care less. Believe what you want. You on the other hand just cant see past him because he's at Arsenal and hate Kane because he played for Spurs. Simple as that. Your other comments are comical. Like me saying England lost because Gordon was taken off. Ultimately Rice was very poor this tournament, make all the excuses you want but thats a fact. And so far as a player he's nowhere near all the midfielders (or is he a third centre half) that have actually been world class in the game. Thats also a fact. He may be in the future.

Good stuff Storm. Both of you are comical.

There is no rage it's pure common sense.

Kane has never turned up when it matters, CL final, Euro finals v Italy and Spain, missed pen v France last World Cup quarters, this Semi v Argentina, he's great in smaller games, goes missing in big games.

When Rice joined Arsenal people said he wasn't worth 100 mil, they were right, he's worth much more than that based on his performance levels over the last season in the league and Champions League, if you cannot see his ability and influence on games that Arteta and Tuchel can see who both play him near 90 minutes every match, then you cannot be help, probably because you see things through the tricolor coloured prism of the Irish flag, you can keep denying it though.

He's an outstanding player who is far from the problem.

Kind Regards.

Give it up Mes, you know what happens when you argue with an eejit... eventually they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience...

Thats fair enough Mes. Good luck with the Arsenal this season. Storm can I ask seeing as you seem to be putting all your eggs in one basket regarding the fact that Argentina only scored because Rice came off are you saying that Macallister's header that Pickford saved didn't go in because Rice was on the pitch?

No I'm not saying that, the OP suggesting Rice went missing in the match just irritated me. I just don't see the need to single him out. I thought he did ok, mainly defending like the rest of team. His marking was fine as the opta stats show and although his corners have been disappointing, he did put one in for Kane to score from a header against Croatia, an important goal.

What happened is Tuchel, made us too defensive especially from the 82 min allowing Messi to take control. 12% possession after we scored and no player near the halfway line preoccupying any argies, appalling tactics.

Agree re tactics. Thought at the time Kane should have been taken off and someone with real pace brought on to at least force them back a little on the break. I can only think, even at that stage, Tuchel left him on in case of penalties later on.

For the first goal (Rice taken off 3 mins earlier) England had 11 men in the box when the corner was taken (Messi back to de Paul). Anderson was on the edge of the D in front of Enzo, a good position. De Paul plays it back to Messi, Spence closes Messi and Anderson hurries along the 18 yard line to double up with Spence on Messi, Messi draws him in and waits as long as he can to give Enzo max space and lays it off to him.

But here we have a thread about Rice.

https://x.com/hay23ds/status/2077657069608456703?s=20

The Ars*nal fans are a sensitive bunch. They seem to take it personally if you dare to criticise any Ars*nal player, even if they're playing for their international teams. Rice had a relatively poor tournament, Saka and Eze almost invisible when they were on the pitch.

Eze was awful for club and country. Saka did very well considering he's badly injured - 3 assists in about 3 games worth of minutes and he should have had at least another against Norway.

Still a majority of people on here that don't realise that Rice's value is in what he does out of possession rather than with the ball. What does Rodri do with the ball? What did Fabinho/Gravenberch do with the ball for Liverpool? 

You take Rice off last night and 3 mins later Anderson drifts, leaves Enzo free and it's 1-1, 10 mins later you are out. Maybe the penny will drop for you soon.

Correlation does not imply causation though. I'm certain that Argentina would've gone on to win even if Rice had remained on the pitch. At least lurka is a bit more rational when it comes to discussing Ars*nal and their players here.

For the first goal (Rice taken off 3 mins earlier) England had 11 men in the box when the corner was taken (Messi back to de Paul). Anderson was on the edge of the D in front of Enzo, a good position. De Paul plays it back to Messi, Spence closes Messi and Anderson hurries along the 18 yard line to double up with Spence on Messi, Messi draws him in and waits as long as he can to give Enzo max space and lays it off to him.



Yeah it's not Andersons job, but nobody else was going to help spence.

There was already a total withdrawal from area in front of box on England's right side
before rice was withdrawn.

Tuchel really should have instructed players better
on positioning, and areas to defend.

Almost as if he left it to chance, or the players to make decisions, and he knew, surely, they lacked the mentality to do that efficiently themselves.

Argentina clearly well drilled in what they want to do when a team drops off against them, Messi done it for 20 years or so...

Why all the Anti Arsenal brigade on the WORLD CUP  thread, its nonsense, lets concentrate on how the player performs not who he plays for.

As for the game it was like someone turning on a light switch when England scored, Argies decided to play Football and went up a gear or two. Sorry to say the best team won.

Come on Spain.

They deserved to win

We invited them to be best team.

They accepted the invitation wholeheartedly

I'm not convinced they are actually a better team, but I wouldn't back that up with much cash if game was replayed!!!

Chan 5 worth a look now, jordan, Terry, Souness having a chinwag.

Souness is spot on about Rice and Anderson and he was a top midfield player. It's all so plain to see.

Agree about GS, Top Man,  " let me finish "

Souness was a great player 50 years ago at a time when full was largely made up of plodders and cloggers that could also pass the ball back to the keeper, where the ref had to see a karate kick to the chest before he considered a yellow card and where players were in the pub before and after training.

Today players are far more technical, far more athletic and get given far more referee protection, which essentially outlaws him from the being the player he was if you superimposed him onto today's game.

He thinks Rice is a central defender, he hasn't got a clue, he made a comment about Rice long before he emerged a talent and because of that he wont budge or pivot from that position despite a clear upward trajectory since then in progression as a player in every aspect, he insists he is limited and can't improve, he's only saying that because he took a position, was pulled up on it and then doubled down because he thinks if he had of changed his mind he will look stupid. You look stupid not changing you mind Graham. A limited player wouldn't have been able to score two world class free kicks against Real Madrid.

He's looked knackered of late and Souness is pouncing on that to enhance his argument, opportunism. Just like Palmer, Rice needs a long long rest to get back to his best.

It's not a Pro Arsenal thing, I think Madueke for example is a poor player, I thought that when he was at Chelsea and couldn't believe Arteta signed him, even as back up to saka, he can't beat a man, he has poor ball control and practically no end product, he's all legs, ocassionally he whips in a very good cross. Saka is levels above him but unfortunately he looks to have lost a yard of pace since being injured, Odegaard as well never been the same player since his injury.

Give it a rest Graham, your agenda against Rice is boring and has been going on about 6-7 years now.

Kind Regards.

At a time when football was made up of plodders and cloggers

Jul 16, 2026 -- 6:53PM, sofaking wrote:

The Ars*nal fans are a sensitive bunch. They seem to take it personally if you dare to criticise any Ars*nal player, even if they're playing for their international teams. Rice had a relatively poor tournament, Saka and Eze almost invisible when they were on the pitch.

A half crocked Saka played fine for the number of minutes he was on the pitch; came off the bench and assisted for a goal against Croatia and assisted for Bellingham's opener against Panama. So not really invisible was he!

Rice - see my perfectly rational post July 16, 2026 3:59.

Eza, tbf nobody can defend how he played from end March to end of season or for England in this tournament.

Find it odd that Saka gets singled out so much for criticism when his team loses. A fine player who gives his all imop and always comes across as a really good lad as well.

Rice is a leader on the pitch and Tuchel chose to play him even though he is carrying an injury and spent 3 days is bed with an illness. Im not an Arsenal fan but got total respect for him. He gave it his all

I think any team would take Saka - again a brilliant but crocked player

I see Saliba is out for 5 months - again a top player playing with an injury which weakened Frances chances

The issue with Madueka is that he can beat a man but has no end product - i was at the Liverpool - Arsenal game last season and he looked like Arsenals most dangerous player for parts of the game but flattered to deceive

Yes, Madueke is an awful player, Gyokeres too and Eze is still in that category but we know he's capable of better. Hard to look great as an attacking player under Arteta or Tuchel but they still don't look much better than championship level.

A midfield needs balance and nearly every team who has won the PL has had a player like Rice in midfield. The last player Arsenal had like that was Gilberto and that was the last time they won the PL. I don't think you should have 2 of them in a midfield tho and with Anderson in there too, England do, like they did under Southgate with Phillips.

Madueke tends to look useful for 20 minutes and then disappears, suitable as a sub if you're chasing a game but definitely not a starter.
A shame Gyokeres isn't English, he was made for that Argentina game in place of Kane.

I don't mind rice and Anderson.

Both are capable of stepping forward more, and
possibly if they play together a bit more they
can become a good double pivot.

Anderson was never a 6 at Newcastle and is very
talented on the ball, given the chance.

Rice can play anywhere.

Rice not fit to lace Souness's boots. 4 goals in 36 premier league appearances last season. Not good enough simples.

Souness was great player I’m not sure he scored many goals more than Rice.
He certainly done more bad challenges.

Their goal scoring records are not that far apart

Souness goal every 8 games, rising to 1 every 6.5 games at Liverpool.
Rice goal every 12 games, rising to 1 in 7 at arsenal

Rice is not even in the Arsenal team for goals or assists, it's about midfield control, linking defence to attack, playing in the number 10 and generally getting attacks going. Souness was before my time so I take people's word for it he was  a great player, but for some reason he has a clear agenda against Rice, been going on about him for years, as if clubs willingly splash out on 100 million pound duds without a great understanding of what they're getting and what value he can bring to the team, and he backed it up being instrumental in Arsenal winning the league. Wasn't Souness a centre mid as well, is that what it's about, is he saying subliminally that "look at me, I was a top centre mid, this modern day centre mid is overrated, therefore I could easily play in todays and game and would be better than him", seems like it.

Kind Regards.

Christ you never even saw Souness and think hes talking nonsense. Proper midfield players get up and down the pitch and should be scoring goals. That's what Souey, Robson, hoddle, Brady, Hudson Scholsey Vieira all did. The Premiership was appalling last year and he scored 4 goals. Not good enough and as Souness said he is "Limited"

Those players from a different era.
Rice is a top class player.

Souness would probably score less goals if he was playing now and would definitely pick up cards and bans.
The same would apply to a least one player in every team back then, every team had an enforcer.
Vieira picked up red cards for fun but Souness was on another level 10 years earlier and didn't get a fraction of cards that you'd get now.

The games moved on a lot since the 80's and isn't comparable

I'll take Keane Scholes and Souness opinion about him than you lot. You can put Lampard and Gerard in there as well. All top top players imo who made a difference week in and week out for their respective sides. Lovely lad limited footballer god bless him.

Rice is top class,carried West Ham in most games.
Funny how the Goons have won the league since they got him.
As for Keane,just a bitter Tea Caddy.

Dear me. Credibility shot.

4 goals a season is nowhere near good enough for a top class midfielder, end of

Rice is pish, but he is the best corner taker in the world. cheers.

He's not in the team to score goals, that's what Trossard/Martinlli, Eze/Odegaard, Saka/Madueke, Gyokeres were there for ffs, Rice was not bought for goals, Rodri averages 4-5 goals in a prem season, every says he's top class, won Balon' D'or, penny might drop soon.

Rearrange these words, pudding, rice

100 Mill, and dont score, dear me, decent player thats all

Correct Deptford. Rice will never win a Balon' D'or in my lifetime or my kids I can assure you that.

Scores as captain...

He aint missing tonight Racing

Puts in a performance when it doesn't matter. Well done Declan we have only been waiting for it for the last 8 weeks

Jul 18, 2026 -- 10:33PM, Try My Best wrote:

Puts in a performance when it doesn't matter. Well done Declan we have only been waiting for it for the last 8 weeks

Saka and Eze too. They all looked decent today when there was absolutely no pressure on them. Got to be a mentality thing.

Another outstanding performance tonight from Rice.

agree mes he was fantastic

if Saka was fit for the Argie game then Tuchel needs to go for not playing him

Deluded.