Declan Rice steps out for what he believes is the greatest match of his career against the Netherlands this evening.
The 20 year old Hammer takes his place in midfield – a homegrown hero- who tonight stands on the cusp of greatness
And co chairman David Gold told ClaretandHugh exclusively: “We are thrilled for Declan – he is a proper footballer and more importantly a proper person.
“We have had great players before but they weren’t always the complete package but Declan is.
Every England-supporting Hammer will be wanting nothing but the best from the best youngster to come through our academy in many years. We are very proud of him indeed.”
Declan will line up alongside Ross Barkley and Fabian Delph to which manager Gareth Southgate has made five changes to the England team who thrashed Montenegro 5-1 in March.
Neither Harry Kane or Jordan Henderson feature after the Champions League Final and John Stones and Ben Chilwell are back in defence with Delph getting the shout over Dele Alli.
Jadon Sancho is in over Callum Hudson-Odoi and Marcus Rashford replaces Harry Kane up front.
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Chilwell; Barkley, Rice, Delph; Rashford, Sancho, Sterling
