Graeme Souness, the former Scotland international and pundit, has voiced strong criticism of England midfielders Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson following the team's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. Souness argued that both players are "limited" and lack the ability to significantly impact games.
Rice, 27, and Anderson, 22, were regular starters for England throughout the tournament under manager Thomas Tuchel, helping the team reach the semi-finals. However, Souness compared them unfavorably to other top midfielders, highlighting Rodri of Spain as an example of a "world-class" player.
"I don't see enough football in the two of them," Souness stated. "I see them as players who'll recycle the ball... but I don't see them hurting people."
He contrasted their play with Rodri, whom he described as the "polar opposite" and "arguably the best one in the world." Souness noted that Rodri, even when Spain was leading, continued to play assertively, demonstrating a different level of midfield play.
Souness suggested that Rice, despite praise from some quarters as "world-class," might be better suited as a center-half. While acknowledging Rice's strong attitude, athleticism, and commitment, Souness reiterated his view that the midfielder lacks sufficient footballing intelligence. "My criticism of him is he doesn't have enough football in him," Souness said. "The reason people run with the ball is they don't see the picture quick enough... You don't wanna carry the ball really well. I've got Declan Rice running with the ball, runs 20 yards, is confronted by an opposition player, the handbrakes go on and he passes it square."
Despite these criticisms, Souness did not entirely dismiss Rice's capabilities, conceding that the Arsenal player has "nothing to dislike about him in terms of his attitude to the game, nothing to dislike about him in his athleticism, nothing to dislike about him in his commitment." He also noted that Rice had played through considerable physical challenges, including a sickness bug and hamstring and back issues, during England's campaign in North America.
Anderson, being younger, was granted a slight reprieve by Souness, who acknowledged his potential for improvement. "(Anderson is) 22, so he's got a chance of getting better," Souness commented. "Declan won't get any better, he's looking as good as he'll get at 27."