Simon Jordan mocks Declan Rice live on talkSPORT as West Ham United ace speaks out about future
Simon Jordan ripped into West Ham captain Declan Rice for his England performances in Qatar, suggesting he’s been left “underwhelmed”.
Rice has started every match for the Three Lions in Qatar as England topped Group B with ease. The 23-year-old West Ham captain has formed a formidable partnership with Jude Bellingham in the centre of the pitch.
Both Bellingham and Rice have been linked with huge transfers next summer, with Rice’s asking price reported set at £100million – a fee he describes as “crazy” [The Sun]
TalkSPORT host Jordan clearly feels the same way. He ripped into Rice and questioned the asking price, before mocking him with a “rumour” about his World Cup performances.
“I’m underwhelmed by Declan Rice. I think he’s a very good player but I’m trying to work out what a £100million player looks like.
“I think it should look like something a little bit more compelling than the showing we’ve currently got.
“There’s a rumour going around that Declan Rice will eventually pass the ball forward in this tournament.
“He’s a player that comes in with a great reputation, I’m not entirely sure he’s having the greatest World Cup but I would expect at the end of the season you’ll find Declan Rice with a decision.”
Harsh
You could argue that Rice was nowhere near his best during the World Cup clash against USA, but other than that he’s looked near perfect for Southgate’s side.
His job is to protect the back four, break up play and provide a foundation for attacks – he’s ticked every box.
England’s only conceded goals came in the opener against Iran – when the Three Lions struck six of their own. Other than that the team look defensively solid and much of that is down to Rice’s experience.
He’s happy to sit back and free up space for midfield partner Bellingham to attack. It’s a dynamic that looks to be working extremely well – even if it sacrifices Rice’s offensive game.
To suggest that Rice has underwhelmed is very harsh. His role in the side becomes more apparent against greater opposition, but that doesn’t mean he’s still not caring for his responsibilities against weaker sides.