Four Irons games the key to Rice’s international future
The teenager is strongly fancied to return to the side at Everton on Sunday and should he play and hold his place for the upcoming games against Chelsea, Manchester United and Brighton, his final international destination will be loaded very much in Gareth Southgate’s favour.
The England manager needs to to see him playing for his club on a regular basis and should he do so then there’s every chance he will include him in the next England squad over the October international break should Rice make that choice.
It would be a surprise were the England boss not to have spoken with Manuel Pellegrini and Dec about how he sees the situation and thus it will add a sub plot to the team selection this weekend.
Republic manager Martin O’Neill will be anxiously awaiting Pellegrini’s team selections knowing that Rice’s inclusion in starting X1s will probably entice his England counterpart to include him in the next international squad given the chance.
Meanwhile, Hammers young keeper Nathan Trott was at the centre of rave reviews sent back to the Hammers from the FA after he played brilliantly in the 3-1 defeat suffered by the England under 20s against Holland.