Paul Scholes sends savage seven word message to Declan Rice in Instagram rant

Paul Scholes has unleashed a scathing critique on England’s performance at the Euros, taking aim at Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. Despite England winning their group, Gareth Southgate is feeling the heat to shake things up before the last-16 clash against Slovakia.

Scholes took to Instagram to vent his frustration, particularly criticising Rice for taking too many touches on the ball. The former Manchester United midfielder also scoffed at the idea of Jude Bellingham moving back to join Rice in the midfield, and dismissed the notion of Saka operating as a left wing-back, a position suggested by Arsenal icon Ian Wright.

This time, Scholes ranted on Instagram: “Mainoo will make you play, Foden and Bellingham will win you games, think forward and take less touches pls Dec. Laters.” He then wrote: “Keep hearing drop Bellingham back next to Rice… p*ss right off!”

Scholes continued his tirade by mocking Wright’s suggestion to fit Saka into the left-back slot, accusing him of fearing the Gunners forward would be dropped for Cole Palmer.

Southgate initially paired Trent Alexander-Arnold with Rice in the midfield but switched to Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher in the last group game against Slovenia, which ended in a stalemate. Gallagher was substituted at the break after an underwhelming first half, but his replacement, Kobbie Mainoo, showed more promise.

It isn’t the first time Scholes has had a go at England during the Euros. After the team’s 1-0 win over Serbia, Scholes blasted Southgate for leaving Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish at home, claiming he was bored watching the game.

“Taking a bit of stick after last night, can’t help but feel the hard work from previous tournaments has been wasted,” Scholes wrote on Instagram. “Some brilliantly talented young players but it feels like more of a U21 squad than a senior one.

“Rashford or Grealish coming on for 20/30 minutes at the end brings speed or ball retention, don’t think we had either. Anyway, fingers crossed they improve and win it.”

England have been miles off out in Germany so far, despite topping their group and conceding just one goal. The likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Saka have all been disappointing, and the Three Lions have struggled to open their opponents up.

After their promising cameo performances against Slovenia, fans have been calling for Mainoo, Palmer and Anthony Gordon to start against Slovakia.