James McClean responds to Declan Rice criticism, says whether England v Denmark game changed his mind

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James McClean has doubled down on his criticism of one £100 million Premier League midfielder after his comments went viral.

After England’s opening group game victory over Serbia, thanks to a brilliant Jude Bellingham header to kick off the nations campaign, Irish winger James McClean was not convinced by one star in particular.

Arsenal completed the £105 million signing of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice and the Englishman was vital for the Gunners as they were agonisingly close to winning their first Premier League title since 2005.

However, McClean was not convinced by the Englishman’s performance during the opening game of EURO 2024 as he labelled the midfielder ‘overrated’. The winger has since doubled down on his criticism of Rice.

McClean doubles down on Rice criticism

Speaking on RTE Sport, the Wrexham winger has not backed down from his criticism of the former West Ham midfielder.

Rice and his England teammates were poor at the Frankfurt Arena as the Three Lions were held to a 1-1 draw against Denmark after a stunning strike from Sporting Lisbon midfielder Marten Hjulmand.

Speaking at half-time of that game, McClean said: “I think Denmark’s won the midfield battle in that half,” he said at half-time on Thursday. “I made comments about Declan Rice yesterday which people have got their knickers in twist about.

“But I think for a £100million player, I want to see more than just five-yard sideways and backwards passes. He attempted one forward pass in the half and it went straight into the keeper’s hands.

“I want to see him do more. Break lines.”

Criticism of Arsenal midfielder Rice is undeserved

The criticism around the English midfielder is certainly bizarre. There were other guilty parties for England who struggled to perform against their Danish opponents.

Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold, in particular, struggled to make an impact so singling out Rice, who remains one of England’s most important players, seems strange.

Replacing Alexander-Arnold in the team will be key for England. Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton deserve their chance for England’s final group game against Slovenia to try and impress Gareth Southgate.