Rafomac News, Tech & Trends That MatterFormer England star Tony Cascarino is pushing back hard against Graeme Souness’ claim that Declan Rice is limited as a midfielder and should revert to center back. Cascarino insists Rice still packs serious punch in midfield, especially when fully fit and confident.
Graeme Souness recently voiced a sharp critique of England midfielder Declan Rice, suggesting that his best position might be center back rather than midfield. Souness argued that Rice is limited in the heart of midfield and implied that England would be better off deploying him deeper. But Tony Cascarino, a former player and respected pundit, strongly disagrees with that assessment.
Cascarino, having observed Rice closely in training and matches, highlights that the young star has more to offer than what Souness credits him for. “I think he can be more dominant by believing in himself,” Cascarino said. He pointed to Rice’s recent display where the midfielder unleashed a stunning goal as evidence that Rice is far from one-dimensional. “There’s no reason why he can’t score more goals or take more shots. He’s good in the air and can deliver quality balls too.”
Rice’s versatility stands out. Cascarino notes that Rice can slot into multiple roles — as a defensive midfielder (six), a box-to-box presence (eight), and even right back or center half. But midfield is where Cascarino feels Rice truly shines if the right attacking teammates surround him, giving him freedom to push forward and contribute offensively.
The debate over Rice’s form particularly heated up during England’s recent World Cup campaign, where signs of fatigue and injury hampered his performances. Cascarino explains that Rice had played 62 games before the tournament and came into it carrying an injury from January, as well as some illness. This workload and physical toll showed in a dip during some matches, but when rested, like in the third-place playoff against Mexico and Norway, Rice looked revitalized and produced his best performances in years.
“We hold Declan to a higher standard because we know his potential,” Cascarino said. He believes the fatigue of a demanding season, including Arsenal winning the Premier League, explains much of the inconsistency. Yet fully rested Rice, with no physical shackles, demonstrated he remains a top-tier midfielder for England.
The taxing schedule of top-level football — juggling club and international duties week in, week out — takes its toll, Cascarino adds. “The demands are so intense it’s no wonder players lose their edge mid-season.” He points to his own experience as a professional, underscoring that mental and physical exhaustion can affect anyone, even the best.
Beyond Rice, the discussion shifted briefly to England’s striker situation, with fans debating whether Harry Kane, known more for passing than blistering pace, should switch roles permanently or how the team copes without speedy forwards like Anthony Gordon. Cascarino acknowledged the broader challenges England faces with emerging strikers, noting the rarity of a forward who combines speed, technical skill, aerial ability, and leadership.
The England squad’s World Cup journey also sparked debate over mental fortitude. Some fans and pundits criticized the team’s perceived lack of winning mentality after their semi-final loss to Argentina, highlighting moments when players seemed to coast. Yet others argue that finishing third is not underachieving given rankings and competition level.
Amid all the discussion, Cascarino praised key teammates like Jordan Henderson for their professionalism and leadership—even if some question the significance of rallying speeches before less high-stakes matches such as third-place playoffs. The mood reflects a squad and fanbase wrestling with high hopes and tough realities as England looks toward the future.
Ultimately, the disagreement between Souness and Cascarino on Declan Rice’s best use encapsulates a wider conversation about player roles, form, fitness, and expectations. Cascarino’s defense of Rice underscores how crucial mindset, health, and tactical freedom are for getting the most out of a talent who still has plenty left to give.
