Declan Rice's place in the England team has been questioned following the international break
Declan Rice
Declan Rice faces extra competition for his England place (Image: Getty Images)
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As recently as the World Cup, Declan Rice was one of the first names on the England teamsheet, along with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. Hampered by injury, the Arsenal midfielder didn't do himself justice in North America, but is still regarded as one of Thomas Tuchel's most influential players.
However, after the extended international break, which featured four Nations League games, is that still the case? Rice, who missed the camp to manage his workload amid niggling issues, has done nothing to harm his standing.
But unlike with Kane, alternatives to him in midfield have emerged. Bournemouth's Alex Scott, outstanding in the 7-0 thrashing of Croatia, is the most obvious one. Gary Lineker is among those left impressed by Scott, saying he has given Tuchel a welcome selection dilemma.
Speaking on his The Rest is Football podcast, the former Three Lions striker said: "Declan Rice has his strengths and is brilliant with his delivery and work-rate, but there's a calmness and control to Scott, he never gives the ball away, and he's always scanning.
"I was really impressed. What a very, very confident start to his England career. I wonder what Thomas Tuchel is going to do because Alex Scott has that kind of control, and Declan Rice is a totally different player. Does it give him a different option now, and does it mean, perhaps, that Declan's place is not always assured?
"Maybe he will want to play slightly differently with someone like Alex Scott. It might be a bit early to say that, but it's a conversation to be had."
Alex Scott
Alex Scott impressed during the international break(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA)
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However, judging by the comments of Rice's teammates, he remains highly valued. Fellow Arsenal star Bukayo Saka said last year: "He's not just a great player, he's a great leader. Obviously, he was captain at West Ham, and even around Arsenal, he's a big leader.
"He's a guy that takes a lot of responsibility in the changing room and gets the boys going, so credit to him for that, and he’s doing that here [England] now."
During the World Cup, Anthony Gordon also sang the praises of Rice, saying: "I think that what he just said sums up his leadership style. He is humble. You would never think he is the player he is or what he’s achieved so far in his career. I don't even know how many caps he's got. He's only 27."
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice
Bukayo Saka is full of respect for Rice(Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, following his recent withdrawal from the England squad, Rice reached out to captain Kane, who defended the midfielder's absence. He said: "I spoke to Dec, and I know Dec goes far and beyond for the club and country. I know how much he gives and I know he's been struggling for a while with his issues.
"Someone like Dec has to get himself sorted and get himself fresh, and he has big games for club, big games for country coming up. There's situations where you've got to do what you've got to do, and that's between the coach and the player."