Declan on Antonio’s international choice

Michail Antonio’s club captain might have felt that for a “defender’s worst nightmare” to pledge himself to another international team is really bad news.

But Declan – who has been doing a lot of talking while away with the Three Lions – is content with the Hammers striker’s decision to join Jamaica.

The No 30 has only been called up under Sam Allardyce and later by Gareth Southgate but never got a shout at inclusion in the starting line up and has since been ignored.

As a result he has made up his mind to join forces with Jamaica despite having not been selected for the latest round of internationals

Declan might have been expected to plead Mikey’s case but believes England are well placed to cope up front without his team-mate’s obvious strengths and is obviously keen that he makes a successful entry into the international game with Jamaica.

Rice said: “It’s not one I’ve ever really spoken to him about. Obviously he was called up but never really got the chance to come on and play.

“He’s such a handful. I see it every day in training. He’s so strong. He holds the ball up well. He makes efficient runs in behind. He’s a defenders worst nightmare.

“We’ve got other strikers that pledged themselves to England that haven’t got in the squad lately who can easily fill the boots of Antonio, so, we’re well prepared with strikers.”