By CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings
It’ll be ‘hearts in our mouths’ time again for West Ham supporters when England take the field against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday in their opening game of the delayed European Championship.
General opinion seems to be that Declan Rice will start in midfield – which is great news for Deccers! I’m sure we’re all be delighted for him – it’s every footballer’s dream to play for their country.
But it’s a combination of joy for Rice mixed with trepidation for the well being of a player who has matured into our inspirational talisman.
The player who has led David Moyes’ revitalised team by example to what has been our best ever season in the Premier League – and the man we all hope will take us onwards and upwards to a new and exciting future for our club.
Ideally Declan would have been sat back looking to play online casino with his feet up now, enjoying a well earned rest after the exertions of the last nine months’ action.
Re-charging batteries for the new club test ahead is not to be. There will be at least three Euro qualifying games to negotiate over the next 10 days with Declan expected to play a full part – and more games to follow if England progress in the tournament.
No-one needs reminding of how Rice came back injured after his last excursion with the England team at the end of March.
A knee injury that kept him out of six vital Premier League games for the Hammers. We certainly missed his presence in the side – dropping vital points against Newcastle, Chelsea and Everton – games where if Declan had been available the chances are we would have at least picked up some points instead of surrendering all nine.
Given we finished the campaign just three points short of that coveted Champions League spot – there’s a very real argument that Rice’s injury cost us dearly.
I have to admit my own personal enthusiasm for international football has drained somewhat over recent years for a variety of reasons.
I certainly don’t get worked up the way I used to – mainly because there has been very little to get worked up about. I’ll watch the England games no doubt – and want the team to do well – but my mind will be concentrated mostly on Declan Rice, with my fingers and toes firmly crossed that he stays fit and well throughout the tournament.
Declan openly admitted recently: “I am a bit of a worrier,” referring to the time he injured his knee.
He was convinced he would be out weeks, missing the end of the season and the Euros. Thankfully that wasn’t the case. Now it’s our turn to worry, hoping he’ll come through unscathed and be 100% ready when August comes around to play a full part for us in the massive season ahead!
Allen, I share your lack of enthusiasm for watching England (& Wales) these days as it seems there is no attempt to play winning football. Just pushing the ball around, trying not to make any mistakes and hoping to get lucky with a goal is not my idea of entertainment. My concerns for Declan are similar to yours. I really hope that he isn’t influenced by the England set up to change his game when playing for us. Play along with Gareth Southgate and his team whilst with them. But, when he’s back with us, David, Alan, Paul, Kevin, Stuart and the boys are the ones to take notice of. They know how to make the most of players and where to concentrate effort. I hope that I enjoy watching a few games and seeing a dynamic, forward facing England side. This would cheer me up no end. Would need a dramatic change in style for this to happen, but ever hopeful.
COYI
I am excited to see Dec play for England and show his quality, hoping that he smashes it for England and we win the tournament, it will look good for us as a club if he helps us win the thing 55 years after we last one anything. Am hopeful that he comes back refreshed and more experienced and that we get to benefit from that next season, likewise I want Soucek and Coufal to do well but not better than England and Kral / Hlozek to come next season, maybe Kolar too we can then start writing Champions League Czech’s that we can cash in improved results COYI !!!
Champions League Czech’s – love it no.32. Well done and thanks for that.
COYI
Like most “All-Star” teams the national squads generally perform at a lower level as compared with UEFA Championship squads. As the tournament progresses they become a team, or go home, and the games are fun. DR is probably of the YOLO mind and why not? Hope none of our Euro Cup winner aspirants get injured.