Paul Scholes makes Kobbie Mainoo claim in furious Declan Rice England rant

Paul Scholes has launched a scathing critique of England's performance, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka in the firing line.

The Three Lions haven't been playing well at the Euros, and manager Gareth Southgate is facing mounting pressure to make changes ahead of the last-16 match against Slovakia, despite England finishing top of their group.

Manchester United legend Scholes took to Instagram to criticise Rice, lambasting the Arsenal midfielder for taking too many touches. He also dismissed suggestions that Jude Bellingham should drop back to partner Rice in central midfield, and rejected claims that Saka would be effective as a left wing-back, an idea proposed by Arsenal legend Ian Wright earlier this week.

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"Mainoo will make you play, Foden and Bellingham will win you games, think forward and take fewer touches please Dec. Laters," Scholes, 49, blasted. Shortly after, he added: "Keep hearing drop Bellingham back next to Rice... p*** right off!"

He then wrote: "Making me p*** these Arsenal legends trying to get Saka in at left back because they're afraid he's gonna be left out for Palmer," followed by a laughing face emoji.

Southgate began the tournament with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield alongside Rice, but swapped the Liverpool player for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher in England's final group match, a 0-0 draw with Slovenia. Gallagher was substituted at half-time following a lacklustre performance, though his replacement, Kobbie Mainoo, performed significantly better.

Both Cole Palmer, another substitute in the second half, and Mainoo made a significant difference despite the fact England couldn't find a winner, and fans are now urging Southgate to start the pair against Slovakia this Sunday.

On a wider scope, England's performances have been notably subpar. Players like Bellingham and Harry Kane, who combined had an impressive score tally of 67 goals last season, have both got on the scoresheet in Germany, but have been remarkably ineffective throughout the tournament.

Scholes' latest rant follows another he produced at the start of the Euros. Following England's lacklustre 1-0 victory over Serbia, the ex-United star lambasted Southgate for leaving out Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish. He also went as far as stating he was "bored af" whilst viewing the match.

"Taking a bit of stick after last night, can't help but feel the hard work from previous tournaments has been wasted," he posted on Instagram. He added: "Some brilliantly talented young players but it feels like more of a U21 squad than a senior one.

"Bringing Rashford or Grealish onto the field for the final 20/30 minutes would have introduced speed or ball retention, neither of which we had. Anyway, fingers crossed they improve and win it."