West Ham United fans have rallied on social media in response to a startling accusation by former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon, who told BBC Sport that Declan Rice is not yet ready to represent England.
The 20-year-old has been subject to a lot of media attention since announcing his international future, but that has mostly been criticising his decision to turn his back on the Republic of Ireland after earning three senior caps with them.
Dixon, along with Chris Sutton, Karen Carney and John O’Shea, also discussed that subject, but the centre of attention for the 28-cap former England ace was whether or not Rice can deliver on the international stage yet.
The four-time Premier League winner acknowledged the vast development Rice has shown since earning his West Ham debut, but claimed: “As soon as [he] plays three or four games and is playing well, we’re throwing him in the England team and making him the best player in the world.
“Let him develop on his own. Whether he is in this squad or not, it might be a bit too early for him.”
When West Ham Fan TV later shared the quotes online, a handful of supporters chose to respond to the claim made by Dixon, and there were very few who agreed that Rice is not ready for the Three Lions…
Disagree, he should spend the next year in the England side to get used to his team mates before the euros next year
Declan has proven himself in more than “3 or 4 games” and statistics back this up
— Adam (@adambrown93) February 19, 2019
He has played 50+ good games at prem level
— calum vango (@calumv89) February 19, 2019
If he was at Arsenal, you’d be waxing lyrical about him..Rice has been immense all season and is head and shoulders above Dier..FACT!
— Mark Harris (@Mark7Harris) February 20, 2019
Behave Dixon!
— Alan Turley (@28overpar) February 19, 2019
Or just because they’re the only English players in a top 6 side
— Geoff ⚒ Lockwood ???????? (@geoffl65) February 20, 2019
Yes, let him develop, but he’s the best youth player I’ve seen at West Ham. Better than Rio and co at their age. Suggest Lee Dixon pays more attention to our games and to see what a Rolls Royce player he is.
— Jamie (@Jamieonthisday) February 19, 2019
The English way. He’s too young. Ridiculous.
— Anthony Alan Goodgame (@AlanGoodgam) February 20, 2019