Frank McAvennie suggests Gareth Southgate is restricting West Ham star Declan Rice
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie was left dismayed by the role West Ham midfielder Declan Rice played for England against Scotland on Friday night.
The Irons star lined up alongside Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips at the hub of England’s midfield at Wembley, five days after the same duo starred in a 1-0 win over Croatia at the same venue.
However, The Three Lions laboured to a 0-0 draw against the Scots, before Tuesday’s night’s nervy 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic ensured Gareth Southgate’s side topped the group.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, ex-Irons striker McAvennie vented his frustrations at what he perceived to be defensive tactics in the Scotland game from Southgate, something which held Rice back.
“I don’t think him and Phillips had a great game because they didn’t know what to do,” he said.
“I don’t know why Southgate is playing so negative with two sitting midfield players. Rice can play on the front foot, and so can Phillips.
“I don’t understand what it is Southgate is wanting to play.
“He’s a wee bit negative for me.”
Balance
Rice seems to play perfectly well in a midfield duo for West Ham, alongside Tomas Soucek, but it appears as if Southgate’s tactical approach may be holding the Irons star back, as well as the rest of his teammates.
When Rice plays next to Soucek there seems to be a great chemistry and knowledge of what the other wants to do – Soucek tends to burst forward and use his physical presence to make a nuisance of himself in the penalty area, while the 22-year-old patrols the central areas and sweeps up.
He can also utilise his passing range there, uninhibited by others in close proximity, whereas for England Phillips likes to play in similar areas, as he does for Leeds.
That’s where Southgate needs to be stronger – either send one of them much further forwards, or take out Phillips and put someone more attacking in his place to allow Rice to flourish as he does for West ham.
In other West Ham news, Roy Keane has been blown away by this ‘Unbelievable’ Irons star who is a ‘Hell of a player’.
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