Declan Rice made his England debut on Friday night, but the midfielder still has to win some fans over it seems, after our man came in for criticism on BBC 606.
A caller to the 5 Live Sport show on Sunday challenged pundit Chris Sutton to defend his selection of Rice in a predicted Three Lions team to challenge Montenegro on Monday, as he felt Gareth Southgate should continue with Jordan Henderson.
The Liverpool man looked set to make way early on in the first half at Wembley against the Czech Republic after suffering an ankle injury that could now rule him out against Montenegro.
He has also been in and out of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side this season as he battles a lack of form and injuries, while Rice is showing that he can be a future star in the England fold almost every time he steps out in Claret and Blue.
Rice performing for the Three Lions, though, may be what it takes to change opinions, especially when there are fans out there who think our man is only destined to play in the Championship.
That claim was made on BBC 606 after Sutton tried to defend his selection of our midfielder in his predicted side.
“I think that Rice has had a better season than Henderson, and while I like Henderson, and think that if Gareth [Southgate] wants to play in a two, he can play him alongside Rice,” Sutton claimed.
“But if it came down to one spot and one spot alone, based on this season, and the way Rice has played and the way Henderson has played, I would have Rice.”
Sutton’s reasoning was not enough for the caller on BBC 606, however, who rallied back with: “Only one of them has actually played in a Champions League Final, and it does matter because when you go to Euro’s, and play in Semi-Finals and Quarter-Finals and Finals you need the experience.
“I’ll be honest, everyone’s jumping on Declan Rice’s bandwagon, but I can see him maybe in a year’s time playing at a Barnsley in the Championship, I don’t think he’s been that good.”
Sutton was having none of it, though. “What? You can see him playing for Barnsley in the Championship did you just say?” he asked, before laughing at the suggestion Rice has no future in England’s future midfield three.
When a clip from the BBC 606 call-in was later shared on Twitter, this is all you could say…
Barnsley?? ???????? clearly never been to a football match in his life! – Nutcase
Declan Rice will day captain England, he will go right to the very top of the game!
Where has “experience” got us over the years, look how exciting we look now we have a manager that believes in youth!— Ricky Forrest (@rickwhufc) March 24, 2019
I had to check if this was a few years old. Jesus Christ
— West Ham Transfers (@westhamtransfer) March 24, 2019
This is what drink can do to you kids! ????
— JB (@1MrLondon) March 24, 2019
Bitter man that can’t accept West Ham has a top player. Behind Fernandinho, Declan is showing that he’s the best CDM in the league and we as a nation are lucky to have him.
— Brad Palmer (@Mr_BA6) March 25, 2019
????????He obviously has no idea what he is talking about..
— Rob Holloway (@robhollo) March 25, 2019
Another sad example of the cuts in social care.
— Gavin (@BoleynBoy64) March 25, 2019
Must be a prank call surely ????
— DAlex (@denza65) March 25, 2019
Someone make that caller chief scout at Man City, Real Madrid and Barca. Stop them coming for Rice.
— Chris Merchant (@merchantcp) March 24, 2019
Absolutely clueless ????
— Ghost Face (@ghostface_2) March 25, 2019
The mans lost his head
— Mitch (@m1tch23) March 24, 2019
So his example of players who were overhyped and haven’t made it were Barkley (who played alongside Henderson on Friday night) and Loftus Cheek who is still at Chelsea and waiting patiently?!
Unbelievable call – and more evidence for nobody wanting Liverpool to win the league!
— Andy Dutton (@dutts_87) March 24, 2019