Declan Rice is facing an international triple header against Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland and is clearly happy that he made the choice to represent the Three Lions
That’s down to Gareth Southgate as much as anything else as the current Irons skipper has nothing but good words to say about the Three Lions boss.
No surprise there for the England manager is recognised across the game as being not only a good manager but a very fine human being who has time for everyone.
And it’s that side of the guy that has seen Declan warm to him in a big way.
Commenting, he told www.whufc.com: “Gareth is top. I probably couldn’t speak highly enough of him, to be honest with you.
In terms of the way he manages and his man-management, you can go to him at any time and just have a chat and he’ll give you feedback and I think as a player you need that, to know where you stand.
“Whether I went there and didn’t have any minutes or was involved in all three games, you have always got a chat with him and you can just tell from his experience and his backroom staff and how they work, it’s a really special group to be part of.
“Now, with our group and some of the experiences we’ve got, hopefully we can really push on and make the nation happy.”
England kick-off their international window with the visit of Republic of Ireland to Wembley on Thursday evening, followed by UEFA Nations League A2 ties with Belgium in Leuven on Sunday 15 November and Iceland at Wembley on Wednesday 18 November.
England’s two UEFA Nations League ties will be screened live in the UK by Sky Sports Main Event, while the Ireland friendly will be broadcast by ITV.
Three wins would not only end 2020 on a high, but also potentially see Southgate’s squad reach the four-nation finals for the second time.
Stick with it Declan. Say all the right things, don’t be naughty and you’ll go a long way.
Be careful not to bring anything back to West Ham, though. Gareth is a nice guy. He won’t do anything wrong. He does very well talking up mediocracy. Lovely words but the ‘style’ of football is from long ago, far too deliberate and non-confrontational. Works well on the training grounds with cones and mannequins as opposition players. Blameless culture makes it all very pleasant but makes people afraid to do anything which might attract criticism.
So go along with it all – but when you get back it will be time to listen to and impress the men that really matter – Dave, Kevin, Stuart, Alan and Paul. Even listening to Xavi will not be a waste of your time.
Onwards and upwards. Sic iter ad astra – such is the way to the stars. You can achieve greatness with West Ham United. Carry on, Captain.
COYI
For mediocracy please read mediocrity. That’s what I really meant !
Point is Southgate (and the rest of the England inoffensive ‘comfortables’) would be nether S in any famous SAS. We need action – not nice words and unforfilled ambition.
COYI
Chelsea will make another bid for West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice in January. The Blues will sell two senior players to fund a move for the 28-year-old. (Football Inside
From BBC football website.
Declan ages 7 years in 1 week with England