Declan Rice has committed his international future to England, and Jamie Redknapp has hailed the West Ham United star in his Daily Mail column for making what he considers to be the ‘hardest decision’ he’ll ever have to make.
Rice’s decision on his international allegiance had been a long time coming, having worked his way through the youth ranks with the Boys in Green to earn three senior international friendly caps, but could still commit to England having been born in London.
The decision to go with the Three Lions easily delighted many Hammers supporters when the defensive midfielder shared his final decision, and now the 20-year-old is earning praise from various members of the media, not least Sky Sports’ Redknapp, who represented England 17 times during his playing days.
Writing in his Daily Mail column, the former midfielder noted: “This will have been the hardest decision Declan Rice has ever had to make.
“He will know he is taking a risk. Had Declan chosen to stick with the Republic of Ireland, they would have built their team around a player of his quality.
“He may have to wait longer to become a mainstay in England’s midfield, but Declan has shown incredible maturity in learning his position in defensive midfield.
“He picks pockets, makes timely blocks and reads the game well. When I watch him at West Ham I see a natural leader.”
Rice’s first chance to earn an England cap will come next month as the Three Lions kick off their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign at home to the Czech Republic on March 22.
