Declan Rice has reflected on his first England start following his contribution in England’s 5-1 thumping over Montenegro.
The West Ham United midfielder switched his international allegiance to the Three Lions from the Republic of Ireland and it took very little time for him to convince Gareth Southgate to pick him in the European qualifiers.
Rice’s rise to the prominence hasn’t gone unnoticed as the midfielder has been featured for the hammers pretty regularly. With Southgate giving importance on youth players Rice could soon become the face of the future England squad.
The 20 year old put in a good shift in the European qualifier and his performance in the middle of the pitch would certainly provide a selection headache to Southgate.
Rice said, “It’s been an unbelievable experience. Ten goals scored, one goal conceded. To be playing with the players I played with, it is a dream come true.
“Now we are part of a really good group. It is really exciting with Gareth, Steve Holland, the backroom staff – everyone is so professional, so well-drilled, you see that on the pitch.
“We have got a way we want to play and we are going to execute it.
“I played the same role as I do at West Ham. I am not one of those who goes running around everywhere. I sit in front of the back four, make my tackles, make my interceptions and keep it easy and pop the ball off. It is simple but effective.”
