Declan Rice says James McClean remarks 'might be down to a bit of bitterness'

Declan Rice has responded to James McClean's blunt assessment of his capabilities.

Last week, on his first appearance as an RTÉ pundit for Euro 2024, McClean said there is too much hype around the England and Arsenal midfielder, who he described as "not world class" and "overrated".

Rice will be in action for England in their final group game against Slovenia tonight, desperate to deliver a performance that proves they are contenders to win the tournament.

When asked about McClean's comments, The Independent reports Rice as saying: "I played with James for Ireland for three games and I got on with him really well. I am not going to sit here and slag him off.

"I thought he was a really top guy. When I left Ireland to come to England, I heard a few things he was obviously not happy about. He made comments a few years ago.

"It is what it is. I am not going to sit here and say anything about him. He's had a great career himself – I think he is coming to the end of his career now and he’s got over a hundred caps for Ireland.

"It would be easy for me to sit here and say something back to him but, like I said, we are at opposite ends of our careers now – he’s 35 and I’m 25.

"I’ve known him, I’ve played with him, he’s entitled to his opinion and I’ve had to fight a load of those opinions from other people before.

"It might be a bit of bitterness towards me not playing for Ireland but I’ve not got a bad word to say about him, to be honest. I see the comments but I don’t try to put too much energy into it.

"It is what it is and you move on. You live and learn."

Rice also rubbished suggestions England's players are too tired to make their mark at the Euros.

After a narrow victory over Serbia and a 1-1 draw with Denmark, manager Gareth