West Ham fans have endured a turbulent start to the new season, losing six of their 12 Premier League matches under Manuel Pellegrini.
One positive has been the continued fine performances of 19-year-old starlet Declan Rice, who is locked in a contract standoff with the Hammers and also finds himself at the centre of a tug-of-war on the international stage.
After representing the Republic of Ireland at senior level, Rice is currently deciding whether to switch allegiances to join England – which he is allowed to do as he has not featured for Martin O’Neill’s side in a competitive match.
Gareth Southgate’s side continue to fly high after their World Cup exploits and a dramatic victory over Croatia on Sunday saw the Three Lions secure a spot in the UEFA Nations League finals next year.
Fighting from behind to secure a win at Wembley, some West Ham fans on social media were not impressed by the performance of Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier and expressed their belief that Rice should replace him in the starting line-up.
We have gathered some of their reactions below.
Declan needs to hurry up and choose England because he is streets ahead of that awful excuse of a footballer Eric Dier
— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) November 18, 2018
Think this game shows we need Declan Rice to decide he’s English! #dier #dire #ENGCRO
— David Green (@greenboydave) November 18, 2018
Thought England deserved that win today. I might be a bit biased but get shot of Dier as I think Rice would fill that spot much better.
— Simon B #GSBOUT (@donsimon78) November 18, 2018
Rice>Dier
— Sean (@Sean_Young165) November 18, 2018
The sooner Declan rice chooses England so we can finally drop Eric dier, the better.
— Luke Squire (@squizzy1991) November 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/MrCookKnowsBest/status/1064204930855182336
Declan rice would replace dier so easily
— George (@GeorgeeLeslie) November 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/lanzinigoat/status/1064179926318940160