West Ham midfielder Declan Rice central to Gabby Agbonlahor England World Cup starting XI
Gabby Agbonlahor wants Declan Rice in his England starting XI for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and believes the West Ham man should be given a “licence” to get forward.
Rice enjoyed an impeccable European Championships alongside Kalvin Phillips in the heart of England’s midfield in the summer of 2021.
It is highly likely Rice will feature heavily for England in Qatar and Agbonlahor believes he should be given the freedom to go forward.
Talking for talkSPORT EDGE on Thursday [9 June], Agbonlahor said: “In the midfield, I would play Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips.
“I feel like people see both of them as defensive midfielders but Rice can bomb on and be given a bit of a licence to get further forward.”
Be more attacking
The rest of Agbonlahor’s starting XI is extremely questionable with Tyrone Mings being selected instead of John Stones and James Maddison in the number ten role, despite not being in the current squad.
Nevertheless, the midfielder decision is one that is certainly up for debate.
Rice will almost be a certainty to start, but whether he should be given a licence to push forward is still up in the air.
Surely the likes of Jude Bellingham would be a better selection alongside the West Ham man so Rice can do what he does best in commanding the midfield and Bellingham can make those lung-busting runs forward to join the attack.
Much has been made of Rice’s attacking threat and there seems to be a narrative emerging that he could play further forward.
However, it is important to remember that the England man is about as good as you can get when it comes to an out and out central midfielder in world football at present.
Utilising him in a more forward position may work, but it may also take away from his best attributes.
Southgate certainly has some selection and formation issues to tackle as he looks to make England a force heading into the World Cup in November.
In other West Ham news, the traditions of pre-season at the Hammers could be under threat as London Stadium works could see the annual game postponed.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Hammers plus more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.