Gareth Southgate has confirmed everything we have ever been told about Declan Rice.
Nothing has changed in the 22 year old’s life since he was a kid when absolutely determined to be the best he could ever be.
Candh blogger – and his mentor Terry Westley – has always claimed that he is the most dedicated youngster he has ever had pass through his hands.
He explained that even now he continues to add to his game with those rip roaring runs forward from the back – another indication that he will bever stop learning or developing.
And he seems nailed-on to become England captain one day as he looks towards winning his 27th cap for his country against Hungary this evening.
Southgate has been a major fan since the early days when it was a toss up wither Dec would pledge his international career to Ireland or England.
The Three Lions boss said: “I spoke to Declan when he was making the transfer from Ireland and we had seen things in him which we believed could be helpful to us as a country.
“You could tell his mentality was one where he wanted to learn and improve and test himself.
“Even though he is a young player, he has got tremendous leadership qualities, and he is captaining his club at an incredibly young age, so you can see all the signs of what might be possible.”