Arsenal fans spotted something ‘perfect’ Arsenal’s Declan Rice was doing before he scored for England
Although Arsenal fans weren’t treated to watching Bukayo Saka for England against Finland, Declan Rice was still marauding in midfield over in Helsinki.
Rice retained his place as Lee Carsley rang the changes following a shock defeat to Greece, and the Arsenal midfielder enjoyed a bit more help in midfield this time around.
The Arsenal midfielder was joined by Angel Gomes deep in the middle and the pair enjoyed Jude Bellingham playing just ahead in something of a free role.
And as ever for his country, Rice was superb in England’s 3-1 win, netting their third goal, his second during Carsley’s tenure.
Aside from the loss against Greece, Rice has enjoyed a bit more offensive freedom in this new England set-up, a similar role to he plays in north London.
Declan Rice told he deserved his England goal after ‘fantastic’ runs into the box
That being said, both Ian Wright and Roy Keane were seriously impressed by Rice’s performance when analysing the game for ITV Football.
The pair applauded Ollie Watkins for his role in Rice’s goal and then the pair both commented on how expertly the Arsenal midfielder is now able to time his entry into the box.
Speaking first of all, Wright said: “The run from Declan, the timing is fantastic, but that was what was happening towards the end there – you’ve got someone (Watkins) who can come in and stretch a team.”
Keane added: “His timing is perfect. Obviously, he did not go in there too early and he made a few runs in the first half. And he got his rewards.
“You have got to keep getting in there. And he has got that finish, he is capable of it, he has got a good technique. Nice little finish. And he deserved that goal. He kept getting in there.”
Mikel Arteta deserves credit for Declan Rice’s evolution
Of course, just a few years ago whilst playing for West Ham United, Rice would not have been making those runs.
That’s not to criticise the England international – he was considered one of the best sitting midfielders in the world at that time.
But Mikel Arteta has unlocked a new side to Rice’s game at the Emirates Stadium, he’s often now running with the ball and following his passes into the box.
And although Rice has only scored once for Arsenal this season, it still wouldn’t be a surprise if he went beyond his seven goals last term.
That being said, David Raya also seriously impressed for Spain over the weekend, a display that sent a real statement to his international manager.
