England manager Gareth Southgate will personally check on West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice on Tuesday, according to ESPN.
The outlet claims that the Three Lions boss will be at Molineux in the flesh as the Hammers take on Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Rice the primary focus of his attention.
The report doesn’t define what a personal check on Rice entails, but this is another indication of how badly the World Cup semi-finalists want to secure the international allegiance of the 20-year-old.
Southgate is thought to be determined that England win the race for the West Ham star, with Rice the focus of months of speculation regarding his international future.
OPINION
Well, this is another indication of how badly England want Rice to pick them, if nothing else. This situation has been rumbling on for months now and it really needs to come to an end. Both England and the Republic of Ireland are having to wait with bated breath on Rice’s decision, and have been for months. They need to know as soon as possible because there are squads to select and preparations to be made for upcoming international fixtures. They need to know if they can select Rice or not. He’s had everyone guessing for months now and enough is enough. Honestly, how long does it take to make this decision? Either you feel Irish or you feel English, or you prioritise the chances of success associated with England over any loyalty to the Irish cause or you don’t. It shouldn’t be this difficult. Yes, it’s a big decision, but it’s one he has had months to make. He simply needs to make up his mind now.
