Paul Scholes sends message to Declan Rice ahead of England's Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash against Slovakia

England legend Paul Scholes has asked Declan Rice to take less touches on the ball, ahead of their Round-of-16 clash with Slovakia on Sunday (June 30) in the UEFA Euro 2024. The Three Lions progressed as Group C winners despite collecting only five points in three games, with their performances criticized for being too unappetizing and prosaic.

There have been calls for Gareth Southgate to make a few changes to his lineup. They include Kobbie Mainoo starting in midfield, and Jude Bellingham taking up a deeper role to allow Phil Foden to express himself more in a central attacking role.

Scholes, a former Manchester United and England player, is also among those to weigh in with his opinion on the structure of the Three Lions' playing XI. Writing several posts on his Instagram story, he also sent a message to underfire Rice:

"Mainoo will make you play, Foden and Bellingham will win you games, think forward and take less touches please Dec. Laters [kissing emoji]."

Like many other big names in the squad, Rice too has flattered to deceive at the European championship. The Arsenal star played every minute of their group-stage fixtures but his passing has been off and he has looked too slow to close down his markers.

With the knockout stages now upon us, England are under fire to up the ante. They play Slovakia in the last-16 at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, with the winner set to face either Switzerland or Italy in the quarter-finals.

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Injury scare for England as Rice and Trippier train away from squad

England head coach Gareth Southgate is sweating over the fitness of Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier as both players trained separately from the rest of the squad.

With just over 48 hours left for the last-16 encounter against Slovakia, the embattled Three Lions manager could be left to make some changes.

He's been unable to find a suitable partner for Rice in midfield, and his absence for Saturday's game could deepen their woes. However, he could look to Adam Wharton or Kobbie Mainoo to come in.

As for Trippier, the Newcastle United star could be replaced by Luke Shaw, who has confirmed he is ready to play after sitting out of the entirety of their group stages.