Liverpool legend Graeme Souness slammed over Declan Rice criticism at World Cup

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Graeme Souness had criticized Declan Rice's performances for England at the World Cup, but the Liverpool legend has since been slammed for his analysis on the Arsenal star.Graeme Souness has been slammed for his comments on Declan Rice for England(Image: (Photo by Greig Cowie/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images))Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has been slammed for his claim that Declan Rice was "limited" following England's exit in the World Cup, as the Arsenal star was back to his very best in the Three Lions' win over France in the Bronze Final match on Saturday.Rice, 27, had been the target of criticism from Souness after his side were dumped out of the competition at the semi-final stage against Argentina.England let a one-goal lead slip in the final moments of the match, with the inability to hold possession viewed as a contributing factor in the collapse that then followed. Souness argued that the midfield was to blame, and while he believed that Elliot Anderson could get better at the age of just 22, he claimed that Rice was "limited" and may not improve further with his quality on the ball.Following that critique, the Arsenal man was back to his very best as he captained England in a third-place playoff match against France that was chaotic and end-to-end.While the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kylian Mbappe will take the headlines, Rice showed his quality in a match that ended 6-4 in England's favor.Speaking after the match on TalkSPORT, former player Tony Cascarino slammed Souness's assessment of Rice and claimed: "No – definitely not limited."Declan is a player who I've always said he can play a six, an eight; he can play right-back and he can play centre-half."Declan Rice during England's World Cup win over Norway(Image: (Buda Mendes/Getty Images))Cascarino continued to praise Rice, and claimed: "It's obvious that midfield [is where he should play], and if he's got the right type of player...

You've got offensive players around him."But I've also seen when Declan's been given a license to get in the 18-yard box, there's no reason why he can't get goals — because [he has] a decent delivery of the ball; he's good in the air."I think Declan's got way more in his locker as an offensive midfielder as well. You know, what we've seen is – in the World Cup – is the consequences of a long, hard season that enabled Arsenal to win the Premier League, and that come with a number of issues for Declan and other Arsenal players..."When you win the Premier League, it takes so much effort to get over that line, and I watch players who have given that, you know, by how many games they play – how many minutes they play – and Declan's done all of that and we've seen a little bit of a downside during this tournament from Declan, without a doubt."While England and Rice have been rightfully challenged over the failures that followed the defeat to Argentina, the question of his suitability may be more about his qualities and role in the team.Rice may not be the complete all-around midfielder who can set the tempo, as well as score goals, and also win back the ball all over the pitch, but when utilized properly he is a player who can lead a team in the way he did with Arsenal towards the Premier League title.Given the fact that he was handed the captaincy against France before putting in his usual level of performance, Thomas Tuchel clearly backed the star in an England shirt.