Chris Sutton: West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is certain starter for England
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has emerged as one of the most reliable players for Gareth Southgate, and Chris Sutton firmly believes that he is a certain starter for his national team.
The Hammers midfielder excelled alongside Kalvin Phillips for the Three Lions in the Euro competition. But, Rice has improved immensely since then.
Martin Keown is also heavily impressed with him after Rice came on in the second half in the 2-1 victory over Switzerland.
Keown said to the Daily Mail (printed edition, 28 March, page 67): “Southgate recognised a tactical switch was necessary and that came on the hour, changing to a 4-2-1-3 as the A-team came on. One of those introduced was Rice, who has shown how much he belongs on the international stage.
Sutton added: “He really does. That is why walks into my XI, alongside Kane.”
Vital
Rice is enjoying a phenomenal season so far.
While it has taken time for other England players to hit gears, and some of them have struggled for fitness throughout the season, the same can’t be said about Rice.
He has not only kept himself fit and fresh but is also performing at a top level for his club.
Rice has become a key player in Southgate’s England set-up, and Sutton is probably right that he is a certain starter along with Kane.
While he has always been a combative midfielder who loves to tackle and win possession where he has really improved is in his wide range of passing and the ability to drive the team forward.
From deep defence, every time Rice has surged forward with the ball in the opposition third, he has looked a different beast.
A host of clubs are apparently interested in signing him in the summer, but the Hammers are pretty cool about his situation.
In other West Ham news, talkSPORT pundit says West Ham ace has World Cup place ‘locked in’.
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