Tony Cascarino explains Declan Rice ‘scapegoat’ comments, compares West Ham midfielder to Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson
Tony Cascarino has explained why he believes Declan Rice could become England’s scapegoat, after suggesting the West Ham midfielder is an easy target for criticism.Rice won his first Three Lions cap last Friday in the thrashing of Czech Republic, and then started for the first time as Gareth Southgate’s side ran riot against Montenegro.The 20-year-old’s performance was widely praised, with Rice’s precise passing and ball-winning ability catching the eye.However, there were criticisms levelled at the West Ham star due to his unadventurous approach to the game.Rice played the full 90 minutes as England beat Montenegro 5-13
Rice played the full 90 minutes as England beat Montenegro 5-1
More often than not Rice looked to pass the ball backwards rather than forwards, even if there were passing lanes open in the final third.And Cascarino, the former Republic of Ireland forward, fears Rice will, over time, be criticised due to his style of play. In The Times, Cascarino wrote of Rice: “Played the vital Jordan Henderson role really well: simply breaking up play and then moving the ball on to a team-mate unerringly.“I just fear he could be made a scapegoat in the future as people ask: ‘What does he actually do?'”The comparison with Jordan Henderson, the Liverpool midfielder, was raised a second time when Cascarino joined talkSPORT to explain his comments.Speaking to the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, Cascarino reasoned that only the people who watch Henderson week in, week out truly understand his value.

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For everyone else, Henderson is nothing more than a waste of space in midfield as he hardly does anything of note when it comes to scoring or creating goals.Rice, Cascarino explains, faces the same sort of criticism.Rice does the ABCs of football – the simple things – really well, Cascarino told talkSPORT. Thats really what Jordan Henderson has done all his career.A lot of people get on the back of players who dont score many goals, or get many assists.Henderson is often criticised over his lack of attacking contributionGetty Images3
Henderson is often criticised over his lack of attacking contribution
They become a bit of a scapegoat over time as many people look at them and go well, what you actually do?.Well, he breaks up play, he keeps the ball, he moves it Its not easy keeping the ball – its an art!England have enough flair in front of him to not need Declan to be a game changer.But players like Declan get questioned after a time if they are not game changers.Rice plays an important role in Southgate’s side – even if he is hardly noticed3
Rice plays an important role in Southgate’s side – even if he is hardly noticed
I just felt he played really well (against Montenegro) and did all the ugly things where people will go just what does he actually do?.That has been Hendersons problem – only die hard Liverpool fans who watch him every week say were a better team with Jordan in.If you dont score loads of goals or create loads of chances, people will start pointing the finger at you – its only natural.
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