Declan Rice to be handed chance to block out West Ham transfer noise, must start for England v Italy
Declan Rice remains the subject of constant transfer talk, but the West Ham man can block out all the noise by starting England’s meeting with Italy on Thursday, 23 March.
The Hammers star is reportedly wanted by a handful of high-profile Premier League clubs, with league leaders Arsenal “quietly confident” of their chances of signing him this summer [Ben Jacobs via GiveMeSport].
Such rumours off the pitch often distract players on it, but Rice has proven time and again that he is mature enough to see past such noise and remain focused on the task at hand, which is currently the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Despite his youth at the age of 24, Rice has also picked up 39 caps for the Three Lions, featuring regularly in central midfield ever since his first call-up from Gareth Southgate back in 2019.
His fine performances for his country have come against some of the world’s best central midfielders, with Rice shining on the pitch at both Euro 2020 and the recent 2018 World Cup.
The midfielder’s success at international level has undoubtedly been helped by his hugely important role as West Ham captain, with Rice inspiring those around him at the Hammers despite his age.
It’s been a very disappointing domestic season for West Ham, who are just one point from sitting rock bottom of the Premier League table, with just 12 matches remaining.
But Rice has remained a standout on the pitch amid the struggles, with the midfielder looking increasingly likely to finally say goodbye to the Hammers this summer in search of something better.
His commitment and desire have, however, never stopped, and those are two qualities that Southgate will be looking for against Italy and indeed Ukraine on Sunday (26 March).
Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham should start in central midfield, with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher and James Maddison also eyeing a starting role after Chelsea’s Mason Mount pulled out with injury.
But none of those players are capable of reaching the standards that Rice has set in defensive midfield. In fact, among all midfielders in the Premier League this season, the West Ham man sits fourth in the list for passes, another factor that Southgate relies heavily upon.
The Hammers skipper is also in the top five for touches and minutes played, proving just how much his club have relied on him once again this season.
Once touted as a future captain of the Republic of Ireland amid his eligibility to play for the country, Southgate and England supporters will be extremely grateful for the switch in allegiance that took place a few years ago.