Sheffield Wednesday ace Josh Windass reacts to what James McClean said about Arsenal’s Declan Rice

The 35-year-old has gone viral on social media today following his comments about Declan Rice, with the Arsenal star set to take the stage for England’s second group game against Denmark tonight.

Rice earned rave reviews after joining the Gunners from West Ham last summer, while he has remained a constant in Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up since the Euros three years ago.

Speaking on RTE2, McClean said: “I think with (Jamal) Musiala, he lives up to the hype. I think Declan Rice is very overrated and don’t get me wrong, I think he is a very good footballer.

“But the way the English media talk about him, I think it’s completely exaggerated.

“To me he is not world class, world class to me is someone who goes into every part of the world… and I don’t think he does that. I just don’t think he gets into the City man side before Rodri.

“I know Kroos is retired, but for me Tony Kroos is world class. He dictates the game… Rodri, he dictates the game. I don’t think Declan Rice does that.

“It’s not going to be that long in the middle of the innings, the game moves on. He is very good at what he does. They play the same role, so why can’t they do the same things if you’re going to give it so much hype and reputation?

“They should definitely be able to do what they do, get the ball on the half shift, play, pass it forward and dictate the game.

“I don’t think he does that. He knows what he’s doing, sees danger and puts out fires. But, you know, for the hype surrounding it, I don’t think it’s warranted.”

England fans took to social media to criticize McClean for his controversial comments, but Sheffield Wednesday’s Windass was a player quick to defend him.

In response to the clip, the midfielder wrote on X: ‘Don’t get the backstabbing here? I wish more experts would give an honest view like this. I’m actually disagreeing with James here, but if he thinks Declan is a bit overrated, he gives a very good reason, in his own words, why. What is the problem?”

Is Sheffield Wednesday’s ace right to back him?

Football fans will always defend their best players and there’s no denying that Declan Rice is one of the first names on the Three Lions team sheet.

The fans’ definition of “world-class” is where the debate comes into it, and it’s completely understandable why some will consider him world-class and others not.

Windass is very outspoken and not afraid to rant on the internet, but he – like McClean – should be able to share his views on football online. However, equally, they should be ready to accept criticism or arguments against their thoughts.

What Wednesday fans will be worried about, however, is that Windass is focusing on his contract talks and putting pen to paper on a new deal at Hillsborough.

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