Darren Bent says Declan Rice England place is ‘locked in’
West Ham star Declan Rice is one of just three players who have their England place secured for the 2022 World Cup, according to Darren Bent on talkSPORT.
Rice has been a regular for the national team for several years and was a key member of the team that reached the Euro 2020 final last summer.
After a host of brilliant performances this season for the Hammers, Bent told talkSPORT [March 25th, 18:13] that he sees the 23-year-old as just one of three ‘locked in’ spots for the World Cup later this year.
“I can only count two, who’s place I think Gareth won’t move,” he said. “Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling is the other one. Gareth won’t touch them.”
“I forgot about him, but Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips too. You know what, I think with Kalvin Phillips having the injuries that he’s had this season, his place is maybe a little bit [shakes hand to signal uneasy].
“Everyone fit, you say Kalvin Phillips and he’s been fantastic but you have to think aswell, Jude Bellingham is another year on in his development so it’s not like he’s a kid anymore. He’s playing every week for Dortmund.
“The other three though, they’re locked in.”
Guarantee
When England name their starting line up for their opening World Cup game in Novemeber in Qatar, fitness permitting, you can guarantee Rice will be on the sheet.
Defensively he is by far the country’s best midfielder with excellent reading of the game and solid tackling skills, but he’s also evolved his game this season to become more box-to-box.
He is far more explosive on the ball now, breaking lines with his dribbling and is much braver in possession when trying to build attacks too.
That overall development, plus his natural leadership qualities and his influence across the squad with all the senior players makes it an easy choice for Southgate to continue to select him.
His consistent performances earned him his place and will keep it for him for as long as he continues, whether he’s at West Ham or elsewhere when the tournament finally rolls around.
In other West Ham news, ‘More than capable’ – BBC Pundit makes West Ham Europa League prediction: ‘Difficult’