Sean Fisher

Tue 29 November 2022 21:44, UK

West Ham captain Declan Rice started for England v Wales on Tuesday night as the Three Lions booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

England secured a 3-0 victory over Wales on Tuesday night to secure the top spot in Group B. Rice struggled v USA on Friday night but Gareth Southgate kept faith and named him in the starting lineup.

Rice featured for an hour before Southgate took him off to rest him for the upcoming knockout matches. English media piled on the praise after the full-time whistle.

The Evening Standard gave Rice a 6/10 rating for his performance and praised him for putting in a shift and being “solid in the middle.

The Mirror were much more generous in their ratings and gave Rice a match-topping 8/10 alongside goalscorers Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden.

Along with the rating, they wrote: “Impressive again. Shielded the defence, broke up play, made things happen.”

The Independent also opted for a 6/10 rating and said: “After his off-night against the USA, Rice stepped up as England took charge of the midfield. Stepped in well to set up Rashford’s early chance.”

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After a sleepy and anonymous performance against the USA on Friday night, Rice looked much more like his usual self in an England shirt on Tuesday against Wales.

The 23-year-old has been superb for the Hammers this season and was always considered one of the first names on Southgate’s teamsheet as England headed to Qatar.

He showed exactly why on Tuesday with a very composed and classy performance. With England now progressing through to the knockout stages, Rice will be a crucial part of this squad and a nailed-on starter.

West Ham will need him back at the London Stadium full of confidence for the Premier League’s resumption, and performances like that against Wales will certainly help that.

It also ensures his asking price continues to rise and rise, with West Ham trying their best to keep hold of him over January and next summer.