West Ham star Declan Rice was praised by all and named one of the three best players as England crashed out of the World Cup.
It was another night of heartbreak with England for West Ham captain Rice.
With the World Cup seriously opening up there was a golden chance for the victors as England took on France on Saturday night.
After an illness in midweek there were fears West Ham talisman Rice might miss the huge quarter-final clash.
But Hammers fans knew their main man would be there when it mattered and so it proved.
The 23-year-old put in another imperious display against one of the best teams at the World Cup.
He was ferocious in the tackle throughout, winning the ball and setting England on their way for counter attacks.
In the end, though, France managed to edge a pulsating contest 2-1 to send the Three Lions home and Rice – after a week or so off to rest – back to West Ham.
After the game West Ham star Rice was praised by all and named one of three best players as England crashed out of the World Cup.
Rice was given a 7/10 rating by Sky Sports, the joint highest on the team alongside Bukayo Saka and John Stones.
“The midfield three were caught lacking for the Aurelien Tchouameni opener from long-range, giving him too much time to shoot,” Sky Sports reports.
“Rice was largely impressive at protecting the back-four and kept Antoine Griezmann quiet in the second half.”
The Guardian also rated the West Ham midfield enforcer as one of England’s three best, giving him an 8/10 rating alongside Saka and Jude Bellingham.
“Declan Rice had his work cut out trying to mark Griezmann,” The Guardian states.
“Had to make a lot of interceptions and covering runs. Grew stronger as the game progressed.”
The Telegraph also gave Rice an 8/10 rating saying: “A brilliant performance screening England’s defence, summed up by a superb tackle on Rabiot to win back possession and try to set Kane away.
“Took risks with his passing that mostly came off as he looked to set his team on the front foot. Such an important player for Southgate.”
High praise, hard earned.
Rice will be devastated today but is now expected to be given a week to 10 days off by West Ham before returning to Rush Green.