PAUL SCHOLES LAUNCHES FOUL-MOUTHED ENGLAND RANT AND BRUTALLY CALLS OUT DECLAN RICE
Paul Scholes has launched an explosive rant about England - with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka in his crosshairs.
The Three Lions haven't been at their best at the Euros and Gareth Southgate is under intense pressure to make some changes ahead of the last-16 clash with Slovakia, despite the fact England topped their group. Taking to Instagram, Manchester United legend Scholes tore into Rice, slamming the £105million Arsenal midfielder for taking too many touches.
He also laughed off suggestions Jude Bellingham ought to drop deeper to partner Rice in central midfield, and rubbished claims Saka would work at left wing back, as was suggested by Gunners legend Ian Wright earlier this week.
"Mainoo will make you play, Foden and Bellingham will win you games, think forward and take less touches pls Dec. Laters," Scholes, 49, blasted. Shortly after, he added: "Keep hearing drop Bellingham back next to Rice... p*ss right off!"
He then wrote: "Making me p*ss these Arsenal legends trying to get Saka in at left back because they're afraid he's gonna be left out for Palmer," followed by a laughing face emoji.
Southgate started the tournament with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield alongside Rice, but swapped the Liverpool man for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher in England's final group match, a 0-0 draw with Slovenia. Gallagher was hooked at half-time after a poor showing, though his replacement, Kobbie Mainoo, fared a lot better.
Fellow second half substitute Cole Palmer also made an big impact, and fans are now calling for both Mainoo and Palmer to start against Slovakia on Sunday.
Thus far, England's top players have been miles off it. Bellingham and Harry Kane, who scored a whopping 67 club goals between them last season, have both got on the scoresheet out in Germany, but have been uncharacteristically ineffective throughout the tournament.
Scholes' rant is the second of its kind since the Euros began. After England's drab 1-0 win over Serbia in the opening week, the former United midfielder ripped into Southgate for leaving Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish at home. He also claimed he was "bored af" watching the game.
"Taking a bit of stick after last night, can't help but feel the hard work from previous tournaments has been wasted," Scholes wrote. "Some brilliantly talented young players but it feels like more of a U21 squad than a senior one.
"Rashford or Grealish coming on for 20/30 minutes at the end brings speed or ball retention, don't think we had either. Anyway, fingers crossed they improve and win it."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
2024-06-28T13:08:29Z dg43tfdfdgfd