Ben Johnson hails West Ham partner Declan Rice after England U21 call up
West Ham youth product Ben Johnson has hailed “immense” Declan Rice for his influence on himself and the rest of the team.
The 22-year-old was called up to England’s U21 squad to face Andorra and Albania in their 2023 European U21 Championship qualification campaign.
Johnson admitted Rice’s impressive displays helping the England first team reach the EURO’s final has given him the “belief” he can reach the same levels.
He told West Ham: “The focus is not thinking of getting in the England squad, it’s about playing well for your Club. That’s all that matters until you get the call, and then when you do, it’s about impressing in training and in games – but staying consistent with your Club is the most important thing.
“For me, being able to play with Dec is very special and I know every player thinks very highly of him. He’s come on so much, even from playing in the UEFA European Championship Final last summer to this season.
“He’s an immense footballer and it does give me and the rest of the boys the belief, in the future, if anyone gets the call-up to go into the England first team, we’ll be able to stand firm and continue that form when we go back to our club.”
New era
Johnson has certainly earned his call up. Aged 22, his under 21 debut has come quite late but it will be a great experience for the Irons player, nonetheless.
This lad will undoubtedly feature for the Three Lion’s first team if he continues on the path he is currently on so finding his feet at youth level will put him in good stead for the future.
Things are really looking up for West Ham in terms of their players enjoying international success with their countries.
They saw Rice set Europe alight with his dominating performances in the European Championships and the English lads look to be inspired from that.
Jarrod Bowen was very unfortunate not to be selected for the senior squad this time around following the injury he suffered against Liverpool, but he will be very keen to make his international mark ahead of the 2022 World Cup at the end of the year.
The quality of this squad is that good, the Irons have several international players all shining for their nations and long may it continue.
In other West Ham news, View: The Irons have to move for breath-taking Borna Sosa amid links.
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