West Ham star Declan Rice hailed future England captain
West Ham star Declan Rice has been dubbed a future England captain by Darren Bent but must leave the Hammers to take his game to that next level.
The has been the Hammers captain for the majority of the season and is set to take on the role permanently once Mark Noble retires.
Bent was full of praise with Rice already leading by example on and off the pitch already, aged just 23.
“He’s a brilliant role model and I think he will be England captain.” Bent told TalkSPORT.
“Leads by example, plays by example. He’s just a top, top role model and player so it will be interesting to see what happens to him in five years
“Can I see him leaving him West Ham? Of course, I think if he’s going to want go to the next level he’s going to have to.”
New era
Rice has already proven he doesn’t have to leave West Ham to enjoy success on the international stage.
He impressed so much at the Euro’s that Gareth Southgate has no other choice but to select the Hammers star for the World Cup – barring any injuries or a huge drop off in form which is very unlikely.
The Irons aren’t the club they once were and the desire to leave to improve is far smaller than it was several years ago.
David Moyes side have been increasingly competitive on all fronts this season and if they continue to build on this term’s success, why would anyone want to leave?
The Hammers are in the knockout stages of the Europa League whilst pushing the so-called big boys for the top four and Champions League football respectively in the Premier League.
When West Ham are this competitive, why would any of the team’s star performers, especially Londoner Rice, want to go anywhere else?
With all that taken into account it is imperative the Irons keep hold of their key players in order to attract more and continue on this upwards trajectory the club are enjoying.
In other Claret & Blue news, Two players sidelined, key ace returns – David Moyes confirms West Ham team news v Watford.