Arsenal: Declan Rice hits back at Graeme Souness after 'cheating' rant in new response

Rice defended his positioning and passing range in response to Souness's criticism, citing modern tactical demands and comparing his approach to Harry Kane's.

Declan Rice has responded to Graeme Souness's recent criticism of his playing style, defending the midfielder's approach at Arsenal. Souness had previously suggested Rice might be better suited to centre-back and accused him of playing "old man's football" by dropping deep into defence.

Rice addressed the comments in a press conference ahead of England's Nations League match against Spain, saying his statistics since joining Arsenal "speak for themselves." He explained that dropping into deeper positions is a modern tactical requirement, not a limitation, and cited Harry Kane as an example of a top player who regularly moves into different areas to create overloads and progress the ball.

Rice also defended his Arsenal team-mate Ben White, who has been booed by some England fans in recent appearances. Rice said White has moved past previous issues and remains fully committed to playing for England, describing him as unfazed by the criticism.