June 26th 2024.
It was another lackluster display from England as they secured a spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a goalless draw against Slovenia. This mediocre performance left former player Roy Keane unimpressed, as he criticized Declan Rice for being too sensitive to criticism. Despite winning their group, Gareth Southgate's side struggled to break down Slovenia's defensive tactics, much like they did against Denmark last week.
The media had heavily criticized England for their lack of cohesion and energy in their previous match, prompting Rice to defend his teammates and urge for positivity going into future games. He emphasized the importance of boosting players' confidence and not letting negative comments affect their mindset. Rice also expressed his belief that the team has enough positive influences to keep them motivated.
However, Rice's words may have fallen on deaf ears as England was met with boos from their own fans after another underwhelming performance against Slovenia. It was a disappointing turn of events for Rice, who had previously been called "overrated" by his former Ireland teammate James McClean. England may have been slightly better than their opponents ranked 57th in the world, but it was far from an impressive showing.
Before the match, Keane voiced his opinion on the sensitivity of modern players towards criticism, citing social media as a contributing factor. He emphasized the importance of judging players based on their actions on the field, rather than their reactions to criticism. Keane also reminded Rice that the love and support from fans can only be earned through strong performances, rather than asking for it.
Keane's words may have been harsh, but they hold some truth. As former players, they understand the pressure and sacrifices that come with playing at a high level. And while positive reinforcement is important, it is ultimately the players' responsibility to perform and earn the love and support of their fans. As Rice and his teammates continue in the tournament, they will need to block out the noise and focus on delivering on the field.
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