Andy Townsend heaped praise on West Ham talent Declan Rice despite slamming the player’s decision to opt to make himself available for England.
The Sky Sports pundit raved about the progress the 20-year-old had made, particularly in the last six months, and back him to get caps with England.
However Townsend then added that while he wished him all the best with Rice already having three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland, the Hammers player had made a mockery of international football by making the switch.
“He’s a very talented player there is no question as his game has moved on, even in the last six months and he plays in position where England don’t have strength in depth in that particular role, Gareth I’m sure will play him and good luck to him,” said Townsend when calling in to Sky Sports News (February 14th, 17:26).
“But I don’t think it’s right, when you get senior caps, it’s not right to change your mind, I think that has made a mockery of international football.”
OPINION
It’s no surprise that Townsend disagrees with Rice’s decision to make the switch from Ireland to England as far as his international career is concerned. However the Sky pundit clearly doesn’t let his view on the 20-year-old’s big career choice affect his opinion of the Hammers starlet. Rice has regularly featured and shone for Manuel Pellegrini’s side this season and has made great progress as a result. Pellegrini from the start of the season opted to move Rice away from being a central defender in order to play him as holding midfielder instead. The 20-year-old has flourished in this role and well and truly looks at home when playing as a defensive midfielder. Also Townsend is spot-on to suggest that Gareth Southgate is likely to call Rice up to England squad in the near future, as the position of defensive midfielder is one where he is not drowning in options. If anything Tottenham’s Eric Dier will need to raise his game for England in order to keep Rice from stealing his spot.