• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Rio Ferdinand didn't hesitate when naming England's most important player at Euro 2024

Home> Football> England

Published 12:28 13 Jul 2024 GMT+1

Rio Ferdinand didn't hesitate when naming England's most important player at Euro 2024

Ferdinand thinks the player in question gets 'a bad rap'.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

Rio Ferdinand didn't hesitate when naming England's most important player during Euro 2024.

The Three Lions take on Spain in the final, which takes place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate's side produced their best performance of the tournament to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-final, with Ollie Watkins scoring a dramatic winner in second half injury time.

Advert

After Jude Bellingham's 94th-minute equaliser to send their last 16 clash against Slovakia into extra time, England haven't looked back.

The tournament has also seen Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo break out as an international star, while the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jordan Pickford and Marc Guehi have also been consistently impressive.

But speaking on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football, Ferdinand believes another member of England's squad is the most important - Declan Rice.

He explained: "Declan's been solid. He gets a bad rap, I think. 'He doesn't play this, he doesn't play that'.

"But without him, I don't know what we do. Who plays that role in this squad? In terms of importance."

Ferdinand also spoke of the England players that have impressed him the most during the tournament.

"Kobbie Mainoo has been a joy to watch," he said. "I've spent quite a bit of time with his family during this tournament. You can tell their input into him is telling. Calm, level people.

Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo pictured after England reach the Euro 2024 final -
Getty

"We know what it's like, we've gone out there for England in a tournament. The pressure on you is crazy. He's playing like it's just normal to him - it's phenomenal.

"He's a beautiful player to watch. He always does something in the game where you think, not many people can do that. Not many people can be that composed in those areas, under pressure.

"Phil Foden's grown into it and showing glimpses of what we see in a Manchester City shirt. Marc Guehi's been the most consistent performer from start to finish. He's been ridiculous. Again, first tournament for him as well.

"Saka's been explosive at times, and been one of the players we've looked to create openings. They're the ones who stand out for me."

Featured Image Credit: The Rest Is Football / Getty

Topics: Rio Ferdinand, England, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

11 mins ago
3 hours ago
  • Getty
    11 mins ago

    Brooklyn Beckham’s Ex Tallia Storm Weighs In On Family Drama With Revealing Post

    Brooklyn Beckham's ex Tallia Storm gave insight into her experience being involved with David and Victoria.

    Football
  • Getty
    11 mins ago

    Dutch FA Issue Statement on Boycotting 2026 World Cup Over Donald Trump

    Twenty football association heads reportedly held talks in Budapest earlier this week - with the 2026 World Cup part of the agenda.

    Football
  • Getty
    3 hours ago

    Trent Alexander-Arnold Given Shock Premier League Escape Route From Real Madrid

    Trent Alexander-Arnold is a target for two huge clubs, including a Premier League team.

    Football
  • Getty
    3 hours ago

    Brooklyn Beckham Sends Message to Parents With 'Creepy' Tattoo After Row

    The 26-year-old posted a controversial statement on Monday (January 19) and accused his parents of trying to sabotage his relationship.

    Football
  • Rio Ferdinand Snubs Alexander Isak When Naming Best Summer Signing
  • Rio Ferdinand gave shock answer when naming his 'worst' team-mate in 12 years at Manchester United
  • Thierry Henry snubbed Rio Ferdinand when naming the four toughest defenders he'd faced during his playing career
  • Rio Ferdinand Named Overlooked England Star Who ‘Made Everyone Better’