West Ham midfielder Declan Rice impresses Gary Lineker in England v Italy Euro 2024 qualifier
Gary Lineker was left impressed by West Ham midfielder Declan Rice’s goal as England beat Italy 2-1 on 23 March in a Euro qualifier.
The Three Lions started the game strongly and took a deserved lead through the Hammers captain who bounced on a blocked shot from Harry Kane.
Lineker even went on make a bold prediction that England now look well-placed to win the Euro 2024 tournament.
He wrote on Twitter, “Great goal from Rice and the perfect start for England. Hard to see us not winning the Euros now.”
Stunning display
Even apart from the goal, Rice was absolutely everywhere, winning tackles, carrying the ball out of defence and being a shield that kept the Italian attackers at bay.
He had a pass accuracy which was close to 90 per cent as he misplaced just six passes all game in a match-winning display.
He also made four clearances of which two were crucial and would’ve put the Three Lions in grave danger had the ball not been dealt with.
It’s evident for anyone with a working brain that Rice is someone well suited for the big games and it’s ridiculous to see ex players calling him out for the lack of goals.
He’s only going to get better and unfortunately for West Ham, they will not be able to enjoy the fruits of one of their brightest talents of all time.
His agent is understood to be in talks with multiple clubs and it seems like the Hammers will be selling him to the highest bidder in the summer.