James McClean has continued his criticism of Declan Rice, stating that the midfielder only played five-yard sideways and backward passes in the first half of England’s Euro 2024 clash against Denmark.
On Wednesday McClean had been heavily critical of Rice as he described the Arsenal star as being ‘overrated.’
McClean wasn’t impressed by Rice’s opening 45 minutes in England’s 1-1 draw against Denmark and added that he wants to see much more from the 25-year-old.
Speaking on RTE Sport at half time, McClean said: ‘Denmark’s won the midfield battle in that half.
‘I made a comment about Declan Rice that people have got their knickers in a twist about but for a £100million player I want to see more than just five-yard sideways and backwards passes.
James McClean has criticised Declan Rice again for his performance against Denmark
Former Republic of Ireland international McClean previously accused Rice of being overrated
‘He attempted one forward pass in the half and it went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. I want to see him do more, break lines, but in the battle in the first half, Denmark just won it very comfortably.’
McClean had previously claimed that, while Rice is a ‘very good footballer’, he is ‘overrated’.
According to McClean, Rice cannot be compared to players such as Rodri and Toni Kroos.
Speaking on RTE, McClean said: ‘I think Declan Rice is overrated. Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer, but the way the English media wax lyrical about him is completely over the top.
Rice and England endured a frustrating game as England drew with Denmark at Euro 2024
‘For me, he’s not world class. To me world class is someone who gets in every side in the world. I don’t think he does that. I don’t think he gets in the Man City side ahead of Rodri. To me Toni Kroos is world class, He dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game, I don’t think Declan Rice does that.
‘Someone who gets it on the half turn, plays passes forward. He’s very good at what he does.’
McClean previously played alongside Rice at international level, with the latter making three senior appearances for the Republic of Ireland before switching allegiance to England in 2019.
Rice, who has over 50 caps for England, joined Arsenal from West Ham last summer for an initial fee of £100million.
