Rice… in defence?

Tony Cascarino has urged Gareth Southgate to play Declan Rice at centre-back for England.

The Three Lions have been in disarray in recent months.

Friday’s 1-0 loss to Italy was their fifth game in a row without a win, and without scoring a goal.

Their run since beating Ivory Coast 3-0 in March has been as follows: A 1-0 loss to Hungary; a 1-1 draw with Germany; a 0-0 draw with Italy; a 4-0 loss to Hungary and the 1-0 defeat to Italy.

The Three Lions will play Germany on Monday in their final game before the World Cup, when Southgate’s men will face Iran, the USA and Wales in the group stages in Qatar.

And Cascarino thinks that one way to return to form would be to put Rice in the backline, a position that he played in for the Hammers when he made his breakthrough before being converted into the world-class midfielder we know today.

Per TalkSport, Cascarino said: “The best way for England to play is a four [at the back], and I really think the best person to play in a four, because he’s quick as well, is Declan Rice at the heart of England’s defence. Absolute centre-half.”

“Playing alongside someone like John Stones, having that pace is going to be really important to England in a back-four. Declan could play that position blindfolded. He’s a natural defender.”