Andros Townsend told ITV (03/07/21 at 11:25 pm) that West Ham midfielder, Declan Rice, hasn’t got the credit he has deserved at Euro 2020.
The winger pointed out how the West Ham star played a huge role in England’s opening goal during their 4-0 quarter-final win against Ukraine on Saturday.
Playing alongside Kalvin Phillips in the middle of the park, the 22-year-old has been outstanding for his country, who are yet to concede a goal during the major tournament.
But whilst the likes of Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane get the credit for England’s opener last night, Townsend explained the unnoticed role that Rice played in that goal.
“Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane will get credit for this goal,” said Townsend.
“But Declan Rice is acting like that third centre-half. He is giving Luke Shaw security. He is giving Luke Shaw the licence to get forward.
“Luke Shaw takes a look (as he gets forward) then you see Rice say ‘okay, I am going to go forward now’. He has done that unbelievably well all tournament.
“I don’t think he has got the credit he deserves in how disciplined he has been and England got their reward (with the opening goal).”
Rice may not carry the ball like a Jack Grealish, score goals like Sterling or Kane, or make crucial saves like Jordan Pickford.
But one thing is for sure, both him and Phillips have been unsung heroes in the middle of the park and two of the players of the tournament.
Whether it’s Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Thomas Soucek or Leon Goretzka, they have dealt with everything that has come their way.
If England go on to win the European Championships, and with it concede zero goals, then it would be one of the most remarkable triumphs in recent history.
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