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It is a testament to Declan Rice’s immeasurable ability that, at just 20-years-old, his career has already been defined by a tug of war between two nations. The story has not been overly dissimilar at club level either.
Prior to 28th December 2018, a day which saw Rice sign a long-term contract at West Ham, the Hammers supporters lived in daily fear that he would use his impeccable form to elevate himself to a higher platform. Cryptic Instagram stories evoked their own set of fresh questions and started umpteen transfer rumours, leaving hordes of grown men in a state of panicky delirium.
But the combative midfielder’s decision to sign a new deal banished those rumours and gave way to the politically-charged and emotionally-tentative issue of his international career. Suddenly the newly-born star was faced with a choice between the Republic of Ireland, for whom he had already made three friendly appearances, and England, advertising an attractive vacancy at the base of their midfield and boasting a plethora of phenomenally gifted young players.
Following months of relentless speculation, The Three Lions got the nod. Gareth Southgate has since made his intention clear by naming him in the recent squad for England’s Euro qualifying fixtures against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.
Some say that Roy Keane was hurling tins of Guinness at the TV when Rice stepped onto the Wembley turf to make his debut against Czech Republic last week. Back in May 2018, Keane defiantly ignored the intricacies of Rice’s situation by declaring his future for him.
“It’s going to be pretty difficult as he’s Irish,” Keane told the media, via Irish Independent.
“Where else would he want to go? It’s pretty straightforward. He is Irish.”
And James McLean, a notorious pillar of morality and exemplary professionalism, fuelled the image of Rice the traitor this week by telling him to “*** off” – frightening stuff.
But away from the bitterness of Rice’s decision there is no doubt that the West Ham enforcer can provide a compelling solution to both a short and long-term England problem.
The Three Lions’ development under Southgate is pointing towards the emergence of a new golden era. The last of its kind fought for trophies around the turn of the millennium, but an infamous midfield conundrum was one of a multitude of insidious forces which stunted their progress.
No manager seemed to possess either the cojones or tactical nous to leave one of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes on the bench. Instead, Sven Goran-Eriksen embodied the spirit of a Sunday league manager who lives in fear of being confronted by an obscenity-screaming parent on the sideline as vicarious fantasies crumbled in front of their eyes.
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The solution: the three phenomenally gifted central midfielders took turns to operate on the left-wing. No central midfielder currently residing within England’s ranks comes close to any of the aforementioned trio, but Rice’s presence will ensure that the creative, dynamic talents vying for a starting berth – such as Jordan Henderson, Harry Winks, Ross Barkley, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli – at least have the freedom to play to their strengths. Unlike England’s last golden era, the central midfielders will not be strangled by the prowess of the players around them in a paradoxical twist of fate.
On the point of Henderson, it’s worth noting that Rice’s decision to pledge allegiance to England will free the midfielder from the manacles which shackled him in Russia last summer. Liverpool’s divisive captain spent the World Cup mopping up in front of the defence, with Southgate unconvinced by England’s answer to Keane, otherwise known as Eric Dier. Henderson played like a schoolboy on trial with Real Madrid – as he does every week – running with purpose and determination but lacking the intelligence to channel his relentless work rate into something resembling quality football.
The defensive anchor role, though, demands a level of discipline, composure and positional understanding which eludes Henderson. The same criticism, however, cannot be waged at Rice.
His performance against Montenegro attested to a wider feeling that his decision to defy Keane’s subliminal messages is a game-changer for England’s long-term ambitions. It was a routine test for a player who will personally go head-to-head with some of the most tantalising attacking midfielders in world football during his career, but it’s no coincidence that England’s attacking contingent of Barkley, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling all excelled in the knowledge that Rice was patrolling behind them – suspect defending, of course, also aided their cause.
His maiden start for England was a key moment in the nation’s development: they have found a vital piece of the jigsaw who excels in his own role and simultaneously raises the standard of those around him.
It’s no wonder Keane and McClean have been left reeling, even if the root of their exasperation transcends beyond football.