“Declan Rice is ‘€100M and Useless'” — Raphael van der Vaart

In a scathing critique following England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, former Dutch international Raphael van der Vaart didn’t hold back, particularly targeting England’s Declan Rice.

The match, which saw Mikel Oyarzabal score a late winner for Spain, left many England fans frustrated, with social media buzzing about missed opportunities and tactical missteps.

Van der Vaart, speaking on Dutch television, launched a blistering attack on Declan Rice, questioning the hefty €100 million price tag associated with the Arsenal midfielder.

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“€100M for Declan Rice. What does he do? He comes to collect a ball only to pass it back to John Stones. He is useless,” Van der Vaart asserted. “If you are truly worth €100M, then you should be able to play a ball forward.”

Rice, a pivotal player for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, had started every game for England during the tournament. However, Van der Vaart’s comments suggest a profound dissatisfaction with Rice’s performance, particularly in high-stakes matches.

The former Premier League star didn’t stop there, also taking aim at Jude Bellingham. Bellingham, who provided the assist for Cole Palmer’s equalizer, was questioned on his suitability as a No. 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 remarked. “Sure, he can wear a number 10, but for me he is not a number 10.”

Van der Vaart’s harsh words have sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning the future roles of Declan Rice and Bellingham in the England setup.