Pundit admits being ‘Annoyed’ at West Ham United captain Declan Rice after England performances this week
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has admitted that he feels “annoyed” when he watched Declan Rice do things for England that he doesn’t do for West Ham.
The Hammers skipper shone as England claimed consecutive wins over Italy and Ukraine during the international break, with the 24-year-old earning rave reviews for his performances in both games.
But with West Ham struggling domestically this season and currently sitting in the relegation zone, McAvennie admitted that he doesn’t understand why Rice performs for England but not at the London Stadium and wants him to do more before he inevitably leaves this summer.
“This team has got too much talent. I know they keep saying that, but they’ve got to sort things out.
“See the way Declan Rice was playing [for England], getting the ball, striding out. He’s not done that for a long time for West Ham. I’m thinking, I know he’s going to leave but Declan do yourself a favour because you don’t want to leave if you’ve been relegated.
“It’s not going to be good. So do yourself a favour, do the plays that you done for England. He was striding past players like they weren’t there. We’ve not seen him do that for a while. He’s captain. Maybe that’s a big responsibility but I think he can handle it.
“He’s got to look after his own game and drag everyone else, but that’s what captains do. He’s got to do that. It’s a strange one.
“I think if Declan picks up the pace between now and the end of the season he’ll go with everyone’s blessing. But the way that he is now, it’s alright saying we’re alright.
“If we’d played Manchester City last weekend we’d have got battered by them.
“He’s got it in him, but I see him [vs Italy] and I get annoyed rather than pleased for him. He can do it for England but he can’t do it for West Ham.
“I’m not having a go at him, but do it for your team. Pick them up to mid-table then you can go at the end of the season and everyone will be happy for you.
“If he keeps them up then leaves everyone will be happy for him. If they get relegated then he’s lost that legacy, which is a shame for him. It’s not worth it.”