RIO FERDINAND reckons Declan Rice is England’s most important player, despite admitting the Arsenal star gets a “bad rap” from fans.
Rice, 25, has played every minute of the Three Lions’ Euros campaign.
And he will be tasked with keeping Spain’s attackers at bay in tomorrow’s historic final.
Despite being an ever-present figure in Gareth Southgate’s side, 57-cap Rice has come under fire from some supporters this summer.
A few fans believe he has not been as effective as he is for Arsenal.
But that hasn’t stopped former England star Ferdinand from branding Rice the most important man in Southgate’s team.
He reckons the maligned midfielder gets criticised as he is lumped with doing all of England’s unglamorous work on the field.
And Ferdinand has told critics to suggest a better replacement, as he believes there is nobody capable of fulfilling Rice’s role with the same effectiveness.
He told The Rest is Football: “Declan’s been solid. He gets a bad rap, I think. ‘He doesn’t play this, doesn’t play that’.
“But without him, I don’t know what we do. Who plays that role in this squad? In terms of importance.”
EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS
Ferdinand also took time to hail Rice’s new midfield partner Kobbie Mainoo, who has not put a foot wrong since displacing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher as England’s new No8.
Ferdinand noted: “We’ve gone out for England in a tournament. The pressure is crazy.
“He’s playing like it’s normal to him, it’s phenomenal. He’s a beautiful player to watch.
“he always does something in the game where not many people can do that. Not many can be composed in those areas under pressure.”
Ferdinand ended by also praising Phil Foden and Marc Guehi, adding: “Foden’s grown into it and showing glimpses of what we see at Man City.
“Guehi’s been the most consistent, he’s been ridiculous.”
England have played Spain 27 times in total - here is a look at every result...
Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.
