Whilst there were some encouraging performances from the likes of Jordan Pickford, England were simply unable to match Spain’s quality on the ball and the fluid system that every team at this summer’s competition has failed to negate effectively.
Speaking on TalkSport, the former Crystal Palace and West Brom manager highlighted how Declan Rice isn’t being used correctly for England, with the Arsenal star sitting too deep and failing to engage with the rest of the midfield.
With Rice flourishing as a left-sided no. 8 for the Gunners last season, Gareth Southgate deploying the former West Ham man in a similar role could have been the key to success for England with another midfielder screening the defence.
However, Rice was chosen to be the deepest midfielder for England at this summer’s Euros, and in the words of Pardew, the tactic simply didn’t work with the Arsenal star not connecting enough with his teammates.
Pardew said on Rice: “I have an issue with Declan Rice in this English team anyway that he sits too deep, so he can’t engage the midfield. We kind of lose the midfield player covering in front of the centre-backs. And they they did it again last night.”
