Declan Rice launches passionate defence of Gareth Southgate after West Ham United star suffers World Cup heartbreak
England crashed out of the World Cup with a 2-1 loss to France on Saturday evening, and West Ham captain Declan Rice quickly jumped to defend Gareth Southgate.
Southgate started Rice in all five of England’s World Cup clashes this winter, and the 23-year-old midfielder was again trusted with a starting spot on Saturday.
Rice put in a solid performance but two goals against the run of play from France ensured England booked an early flight home from Qatar.
Following the full-time whistle Southgate was unsure about his England future, but Rice has pleaded with him to stay as the nation’s manager.
“For me personally I hope he stays. I don’t know and there’s a lot of talk around that. But I think he has been brilliant for us and I think there’s a lot of criticism that’s not deserved,” said Rice, as quoted by The Athletic.
“He has taken us so, so far; further than people can expect. Tonight he got everything spot on and it’s not on him.
“The tactics were right, we played the right way, we were aggressive and we stopped Mbappe, who was quiet. It was two goals against the run of play and that’s not down to the manager, it’s up to us on the pitch.
“I really hope he stays because the core group that we’ve got and what he has made for us is so special and I love playing for him and I love playing for England.”
Leader
Rice may not wear the England armband, but he’s certainly one of the leaders for the Three Lions on the pitch.
The West Ham captain led by example and put in a brilliant display against a very talented French midfield on Saturday. Rice was expected to cover both England full-backs and he did his job superbly well.
Even after the crushing defeat, Rice spoke gracefully about his teammates and manager, and is clearly keen to carry on playing under Southgate.
The England manager has come under fire for his tactical approach this year, but he did get things right against France. England were by far the better team and had Harry Kane not missed the penalty then the World Cup semi-finals could be looking slightly different.
For Rice to stand up and take responsibility as a player is a huge sign of his maturity and leadership – the exact qualities that made him West Ham captain at such a young age. While it’s heartbreaking for Rice to return to east London without a World Cup medal – it’ll be great to have him back.