Gary Neville was forced to deny having an agenda against Declan Rice after Ian Wright challenged his surprisingly low rating of the England midfielder following the Three Lions’ World Cup victory over Croatia.
Thomas Tuchel’s side made a winning start to life at the tournament with an entertaining 4-2 triumph in Dallas, with Harry Kane scoring twice and Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also finding the net.
Rice once again started in midfield and helped England control large periods of the contest before being withdrawn shortly after the hour mark.
While the Arsenal star was not at his influential best, Neville’s verdict on his performance raised eyebrows.
Handing out player ratings on the Stick to Football podcast, the former Manchester United captain awarded Rice a score of just 6.5 out of 10.
That immediately prompted a response from Wright.
“Declan, I’m going 6.5 with Declan because he was subbed after 60 minutes,” Neville said.
Wright quickly disagreed.
Gary Neville was forced to deny having an agenda against Declan Rice after Ian Wright challenged his surprisingly low rating of the England midfielder following the Three Lions’ World Cup victory over Croatia
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STICK TO FOOTBALL
Declan Rice played a key role as England overcame Croatia in their World Cup opener | GETTY
“I’m giving him seven at least, at least!” the former Arsenal striker replied.
“Why are you being like that with Declan? There is something. You’re going with it, it’s a precautionary thing.”
Neville laughed off suggestions that he had singled Rice out unfairly and insisted there was no hidden motive behind his assessment.
“I’m not being like that with Declan. I love Declan,” he said.
Match stats from England’s win over Croatia at the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS
“Wrighty, he played 60 minutes.
“He’s usually an 8/10 every week. I give him the man of the match award most times on Sky.
“It’s not a case of anything.
“I thought last night was one of his most quiet games I’ve seen.”
Rice has established himself as one of England’s most dependable performers in recent years and played a major role in Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph last season.
His consistently high standards mean even a solid display can attract criticism, something Wright appeared keen to point out during the light-hearted exchange.
Neville has otherwise been impressed by England’s start to the tournament and reserved particular praise for Tuchel’s influence against Croatia.
“It was a very good night for Thomas Tuchel,” Neville told Sky Sports News.
Gary Neville was impressed by England in their 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia
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“Obviously the victory is the most important but I think it was a good night for him, particularly from half-time onwards.
“That Anthony Barry interview at half-time was very punchy and I think they obviously weren’t happy with what happened in the first half.”
Neville believes England’s response after the break was among the best passages of football produced by any nation at the World Cup so far.
“The way England played in that first 10 to 15 minutes of the second half, it was probably the best 10 to 15 minutes we’ve seen from any team in the tournament so far,” he said.
“He was really brave, it was a good night for him. The team in the second half were fantastic.
“They’ve got things they need to work on from the first half. The two goals conceded will have unnerved them a little bit.
“But it was a good night overall and Thomas Tuchel had a great game, particularly from half-time onwards.”
