Former Ireland star James McClean believes Declan Rice is not world class and his abilities have been ‘overestimated’ by the English media.
McClean played alongside the Arsenal midfielder in three of his 104 appearances for the national team before Rice’s controversial move to the Three Lions in 2019.
Ahead of Gareth Southgate’s second match at the 2024 European Championship against Denmark on Thursday, the 35-year-old shared his view that Rice is not on the same level as some of the best defensive midfielders in world football.
And he believes there is no way the 25-year-old can be considered world-class based on his current performances.
“I think Declan Rice is overrated.” The utility man from Wrexham said this on RTE Sport. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a very good footballer, but the way the English media rave about him is completely exaggerated.
James McClean played alongside Declan Rice in three of his 104 games for the Republic of Ireland
The 35-year-old believes the England and Arsenal star is overrated and not on the same level as two of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
‘For me he is not world class. To me, world class is someone who covers all sides of the world. I don’t think he does. I don’t think he will make it into the Manchester City squad before Rodri. For me, Toni Kroos is world class. He dictates the game, Rodri dictates the game, I don’t think Declan Rice does.
‘Someone who gets it in half plays passes forward. He’s very good at what he does.’
Rice has had a sensational number of seasons in the Premier League, becoming an integral part of Southgate’s national team system.
He carried his surprising home form for the Gunners, following a £105m move from West Ham, into England’s opening match and was arguably the side’s best player – after Jude Bellingham.
His display came more than five years after he sensationally opted to turn his back on the Irish national team, despite playing three international friendlies for the side.
The then 20-year-old midfielder said he had called both Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and England boss Gareth Southgate to inform them of his decision and that he will make a formal request to FIFA to transfer his international registration.
Under FIFA rules, a player is only tied to a country once he or she has represented it in a competitive match.
The London-born star, who has Irish family heritage, previously represented Ireland at U16, U17, U19 and U21 level before making his senior debut under then manager Martin O’Neill in March 2018.
Rice played for Ireland in three domestic friendlies before switching allegiance to England in 2019
When pointed out the differences in playing style between Rice, Kroos and Rodri, McClean doubled down and insisted his short-time teammate should be able to match the pair as he plays in the same position.
“They play the same role, so why can’t they do the same things?” He added. “If you want to give him that much hype and reputation, he should definitely be able to do what they do.
‘He sees danger and puts out fires, but given the hype surrounding him, I don’t think that is justified.’
Not only has Rice been a crucial part of the England side that reached the final of the last European Championship and the quarter-finals of the World Cup, but his influence extends to holding one of the four leading positions in the side.
Along with captain Harry Kane and deputy Kyle Walker, he and Jude Bellingham form an unofficial leadership core in the absence of Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire and Raheem Sterling – all of whom were left out of the Euro 2024 squad.
McClean’s assessment was echoed by another former Irish star, this time Kevin Doyle, who sharply compared him to Manchester United and Irish legend Roy Keane.
‘A poor man is Roy Keane. Similar playing style without his intensity and aggression.’
Roy Keane (right) was assistant to Martin O’Neil (left) during Rice’s three-match Irish career
The 25-year-old has become an integral part of Gareth Southgate’s squad in recent tournaments
Rice and his England teammates will try to qualify for the knockout stages with a win over the Danes on Thursday evening.
The side are currently top of Group C after a 1-0 win over Serbia in their opener.