West Ham United: Declan Rice team news emerges ahead of England clash v Italy
Declan Rice is “certain” to start for England as the West Ham United skipper gets ready for the European Championship qualifier against Italy, according to Inews.
Gareth Southgate’s side start their campaign in Naples on Thursday (23 March) looking to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment in Qatar.
Inews claim (22 March) Rice, Jude Bellingham, John Stones and Harry Kane are all “certain starters” ahead of the clash against the Azzurri.
Guaranteed
Rice was always going to be a guaranteed starter for the Hammers in Naples. He’s been immense for England in two major tournaments and will be hoping the game against the European Champions is the start of a memorable run for the Three Lions.
The tournament in Germany is looking like a make-or-break for Southgate. He has come close in England’s last two tournaments and will be hoping to finally bring football home. Realistically, his squad couldn’t be in better shape.
Rice is now at the peak of his powers, Bellingham is a sensation, Phil Foden still has more to give, and Harry Kane is a consistent source of goals.
There’s a lot going for this England team and the West Ham star is central to its core going forward. A positive result in Italy will certainly settle a few nerves heading into what is a challenging group.
The pressure on the national team is unlike no other and if England fail to win the group, many will be calling for a change of manager, particularly after recent failures during the latter stages of big competitions.