National media react to West Ham United star Declan Rice after England win 7-0 v North Macedonia
A cautious response was the verdict after West Ham star Declan Rice was withdrawn from action in England’s 7-0 rout over North Macedonia on Monday evening at Old Trafford, as reported by the Daily Mail [20 June, Page 69].
Rice was replaced by Kalvin Philips just before the hour mark as there was “No need” to risk him following a first-half booking for a late challenge. The Manchester City player went on to score the sixth goal for the Three Lions.
The Euro 2024 qualifier was all too easy for Gareth Southgate’s team, as they maintained their 100% record after four games played in Group C.
In the player ratings column for the Daily Mail, Dominic King delivered the following on the Europa Conference League winner.
“Booked for a mistimed challenge. No need to persist with him when the game was won.”
Decision time
Given how the game unfolded, there were also no issues with giving game time to others and all five substitutes were used on the night by Southgate.
In addition to Rice, Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka were taken off at the same time in a quartet of changes, to be replaced by Conor Gallagher, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden, respectively.
Callum Wilson replaced Harry Kane on 74 minutes, just after the Spurs man had completed his brace with a penalty.
It was a routine performance for the West Ham captain, with not too much demanded of him in his 43rd appearance for England.
With the dust now settling on a long, demanding season, Rice will be able to relax and reflect in the coming days before a massive call is made.
Decision time is approaching on his future with the widely expected departure from the London Stadium set to unfold, with Arsenal in the driving seat.