Rafael van der Vaart launches astonishing attack on one ‘useless’ England player after defeat to Spain

Rafael Van Der Vaart Slams Declan Rice as "Useless" After England’s Euro 2024 Defeat

Former Premier League star Rafael Van Der Vaart has launched a scathing attack on England midfielder Declan Rice, calling him "useless" following the Three Lions’ defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Spain claimed the title with a 2-1 victory over England, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a late winner. Rice, who was a key player for England throughout the tournament, was singled out by Van Der Vaart for his performance.

"What does he do? He comes to collect a ball only to pass it back to John Stones. He is useless," Van Der Vaart exclaimed on Dutch television. "If you are truly worth €100M, then you should be able to play a ball forward."

Rice, who started every game for England at Euro 2024, has been under fire for his performances in recent weeks. The Arsenal midfielder has been criticized for his lack of creativity and ability to control the tempo of the game.

Van Der Vaart also had some harsh words for Jude Bellingham, who set up Cole Palmer’s equalizing goal. The former Premier League star questioned whether Bellingham can operate as a number 10.

"Jude Bellingham is not someone who’s there for the smooth touches, he’s just a strong lad who keeps going 90 minutes long. The number 10 on his back is debatable," Van Der Vaart said. "Sure, he can wear a number 10, but for me he is not a number 10."

The Verdict

Van Der Vaart’s comments are likely to spark controversy, but it’s hard to argue with his assessment of Rice’s performance. The England midfielder struggled to make an impact on the game, and his inability to control the tempo of the game and create chances for his teammates was a major factor in England’s defeat.

It’s also worth noting that Van Der Vaart has a reputation for speaking his mind and telling it like it is. As a former professional footballer, he knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and his criticism of Rice and Bellingham is likely to be seen as constructive.

What’s Next?

As England looks to rebuild and move forward from their Euro 2024 disappointment, it’s clear that changes need to be made. Rice and Bellingham will be under pressure to improve their performances, and it remains to be seen whether they can rise to the challenge.

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