Gareth Southgate’s No 2 Steve Holland was at the London Stadium on Saturday casting his eye over Declan Rice, although he must also have also been impressed with skipper Mark Noble!
Southgate is known to want Rice as part of his England set up and with his next squad being named on Thursday it seems ‘make your mind up time’ is very close for our brilliant midfielder/defender.
He could hardly have been more impressive against Manchester United where he totally neutralised Paul Pogba and the England gig looks there for the taking if he wants it.
He has played in three Republic of Ireland friendlies but remains eligible for the Three Lions and should he make England his choice then he could easily be named on Thursday.
Southgate loves the versatility he can bring to the team at the back of in midfield plus his ability to play on both sides.
It’s a big moment in the lad’s life – we hope he’s getting the right advice!!!
I really hope this doesn’t happen, I am pure English so it’s not because I don’t want to see a West Ham player playing for England more because it seems plain wrong (to me) on almost every level, Rice has identified as an Irish player been through the ranks there, for me it seems just as bad as when teams develop players through a youth system then big clubs plunder their talent. Whatever my opinion I hope he makes the right decision for his future and is proved right over time.
Laudable comment 32 . I’m an Irish Hammers fan and would really want him to opt for us – as you say he has been with us since youth age .
I don’t think the Roy Keane circus is reason enough to change allegiance . Anyway as long as he is a Hammer he will have my support whether in green or white .
Thanks mate, yeah Roy Keane is well, living in a world according to Roy Keane, I have met a few Irishmen like him in my time, they seem to be bordering on violence most of the time hard to understand why, well probably doesn’t help that I wind them up every now and again when I get bored of listening to their self righteous bull but it does help to make the day go quicker hahaha
Irish hammer myself mate and as you say it’s totally wrong if he changes allegiance. Why would you sing the national anthem kiss the crest etc and then decide I’ll change countries.
I think one good thing for him is having Noble as a captain, Noble could have played for Ireland but he identifies as English and thinks it would be hypocritical to play for Ireland so maybe if he asks for advice might nudge him in the right direction ?
Channeling your namesake there Hugh! Now ladies and gentlemen, it’s make your mind up time!
Opportunity knocks for our Declan.
Blimey you must be getting on a bit buddy LOL