Declan Rice is a 'natural defender' and should be used in a back four for England according to a talkSPORT pundit.
The West Ham United captain has been used a defensive midfielder in front of the back four while playing for the Three Lions, forming a partnership with Man City's Kalvin Phillips.
The duo helped guide Gareth Southgate's side to a 2018 World Cup semi-final and a Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy at Wembley Stadium.
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Rice was once again deployed in midfield as England were beaten by Gianluca Scamacca's Italy on Friday night and according to pundit Tony Cascarino, the three at the back system is no longer working.
The former Republic of Ireland international suggested switching to a more traditional back four and told the Three Lions manager to drop Manchester United captain Harry Maguire in favour of Rice, who he claims is a 'natural defender.'
Talking to talkSPORT on Saturday, Cascarino said: “I’ve banged on about this for ages, and I’m going to drive people mad about this – 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.
“I keep envisaging Harry Maguire on the left side of a three – it’s a place where Kylian Mbappe plays – if Kylian Mbappe even gets close to being in a one-on-one, Harry Maguire’s in total trouble.”
Rice has played 51 times at centre-back according to transfermarkt while being deployed 178 times at the base of midfield.
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