Harry Redknapp believes that West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice should not be thrown into the England fold straight away.
He says that even though the 20-year-old has earned his first England call-up since changing allegiance from the Republic of Ireland, he should not start against the Czech Republic on Friday, but he still thinks that the young star will be an asset to the set-up in the future.
Redknapp adds that he is set for a big future with the Hammers, and admits that he can be a successor to fan favourite Mark Noble.
“Not at the moment no,” he told the Daily Star when asked whether Rice should start.
“I would say in the future he certainly will be I think, but at the moment I wouldn’t see him suddenly going straight into the team. If [Gareth Southgate’s] picking his best team tomorrow for a massive game and he had to pick his best XI, he wouldn’t be picking Declan tomorrow.
“I do think down the line he would become a regular in the England team, though. I love him, I think he’s fantastic, I think he’s set for a big future.
“He looks like he’s got a great level head on his shoulders, and he’s the next captain after Noble I would imagine which is good for the club. He’s a natural successor to Noble when Mark finishes.”
OPINION
All eyes will certainly be on Southgate this evening and whether he decides to include Rice in his starting XI. However, Redknapp is absolutely spot on here. If the manager is choosing his best players, Rice is not going to be amongst that group at the moment, as he has not even pulled on an England shirt yet. There is no denying that he will be a future star for his country though, just as Redknapp pointed out. He has all of the attributes to thrive in this sort of environment, and it will not be long before he causes a real selection headache for Southgate. Here is hoping that he gets on the pitch at some stage on Friday evening, as it will be interesting to see how he rises to the occasion, and whether his form for the Irons this season can translate onto the international stage with England.
