Matt Le Tissier has been blown away by the impact West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has been making this season.
He says that it will not be long before the 20-year-old makes his first start for England after pledging his international allegience over Ireland recently, and reckons that if the star does not start in the next round of qualifiers for the European Championships, then he definitely will the time after that.
The Sky Sports pundit also branded the youngster as “outstanding” this season, and said that he plays with a maturity beyond his years.
“I think that now the decision [to choose England] has been made, it would be wise for Gareth [Southgate] to get him involved, there might have been reassurances already, you don’t know the conversations that have taken place,” he said on Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Saturday [12.27pm].
“If he’s not in the next [team], I don’t think it will be too long after that. He’s very much an old head on very young shoulders. I saw him against Southampton earlier in the season and he completely bossed the midfield.
“He’s been outstanding, he has showed a real maturity about him.”
OPINION
It is no surprise in the slightest that Le Tissier has been impressed by Rice this season and has tipped him to play for England soon. He has not really made any major mistakes this term, so it is no wonder he is receiving praise left, right and centre. The fact that he has tipped him for England at such a young age demonstrates how much he maturity he has been playing with – at times, it is hard to remember that he is only 20-years-old. He certainly does not play like someone so young, and for this, he deserves to be commended. Rice has easily been one of the Irons’ best players this season as well as one of the most underrated, and there is no doubt that he will get even better for the Hammers next season. He is an exciting prospect, and it will be interesting to see how he gets on for England if Southgate decides to pick him.