Robbie Savage slams Declan Rice’s actions on England duty

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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is dividing opinion on international duty with England.

The £100 million man has been in the headlines quite a fair bit during these past few weeks, stemming back from Arsenal’s draw against Brighton.

Rice was controversially sent off in that fixture after receiving a second yellow card for nudging the ball away after an opposition free-kick.

And now, he is hitting the headlines again, this time in the colours of his country and during Lee Carsley’s first game in charge as interim boss.

England beat the Republic of Ireland in their UEFA Nations League opener on Saturday in Dublin, with Rice returning to a country who he played three games for at the start of his career.

The 25-year-old’s call to switch allegiances in such a manner didn’t sit well with the Irish public and he, alongside Jack Grealish, received a hostile reception.

Therefore, it was fitting that Rice scored against Ireland, but the Arsenal man opted against celebrating when he fired home the opening goal.

Grealish, who represented the Republic of Ireland at the younger age groups, took a very different approach and he decided to celebrate when he scored his goal.

Whilst some people understand Rice’s actions, others feel he should have celebrated and his actions, or lack of them, were criticised.

Robbie Savage, who represented Wales during his career, told Rice that it was ’nonsense’ he decided against celebrating a goal on the international stage, as he told 606.

Declan Rice scores against the Republic of Ireland 

“Yeah, I celebrated (against my former clubs), why not,” responded Savage. “I think it’s nonsense if you don’t celebrate.”

Is Declan Rice a future England captain?

Harry Kane is the current England captain, but he endured a Euro 2024 to forget and many are now questioning his place in the team.

Not only that, after Gareth Southgate’s resignation as England boss, will the next long-term coach keep Kane on as captain?

READ MORE: Lee Carsley reacts to claim Declan Rice refused captain’s armband for England against Ireland

If not, then someone like Rice automatically becomes a candidate, alongside Real Madrid superstar, Jude Bellingham.

Carsley is in interim charge, as of this moment, and he certainly has the chance to prove himself in the coming months that he deserves the job permanently.