West Ham United star Declan Rice and Manchester City’s £100m man Jack Grealish both look set to be recalled to England’s starting XI to face Poland after upsetting Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
Softly spoken Southgate rarely utters any public criticism of his England players.
So it spoke volumes when he did just that in publicly speaking out about the actions of West Ham hero Rice and Man City attacker Grealish during last week’s 4-0 win over Hungary.
England travel to Poland for arguably their toughest test of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Rested West Ham and Man City stars to return after upsetting England boss Southgate
Rice and Grealish were both rested for the win over Andorra on Sunday although Grealish did come on as a second half substitute.
But despite upsetting Southgate, West Ham enforcer Rice and Man City attacker Grealish both look set for reprieves when they return to the starting line-up to face Poland.
West Ham’s Rice was man of the match as he played a key role in England’s win over Hungary – adding the fourth goal after an assist from Man City star Grealish.
The duo found themselves making all the headlines after the game as they were hailed by football fans across the country for celebrating by literally drinking the boos of the Hungary fans.
Rice and Grealish down the jeers to become England cult heroes but failed to impress man who matters most
After his goal, Rice – arms stretched wide – goaded the hostile Hungary crowd who had directed vile racist abuse at the West Ham man’s teammates, as reported by the likes of Sky Sports.
And earlier in the game after Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for England, he was showered with missiles and cups by the home supporters.
As the players celebrated, West Ham star Rice and Grealish picked up a cup each and mocked the fans by pretending to drink from it – making them instant cult heroes to millions of fans.
Supporters of West Ham, Man City and even rival clubs lapped up Rice and Grealish’s celebration on social media.
Rare criticism from Three Lions boss spoke volumes
But Southgate had a different opinion altogether.
Meanwhile he praised Sterling and Jude Bellingham for their ‘mature’ responses (EuroSport).
“I think we needed to be a little bit careful in how our interaction with the crowd was the other day,” Southgate said about Rice and Grealish’s actions when speaking after the Hungary game – as reported by The Telegraph.
“We all recognise that certain things that happened weren’t acceptable but also we ran a little bit of a risk of inflaming some of those situations. So I think the players managed that quite well but I think the boys have to have at the back of their minds that humility – ‘Yes, we were playing well and we got a good result but let’s keep our professionalism and keep our focus’”.
“We are going to have to play these teams again and we don’t want to give them any additional motivation by any of our actions.”
Duo set for reprieve after public and private dressing down
The Telegraph claims Southgate also issued a private dressing down to each player before commenting on the matter in the press.
Some West Ham fans did not take kindly to Southgate’s criticism feeling it was harsh.
But Rice and Grealish will undoubtedly have to be on their best behaviour if – as is expected – they both start for England against Poland, in what is likely to be another hostile home crowd.
In other news, Fornals scores stunning Payet-esque free-kick in Spain training and Wolves man loves it.
And ‘As a West Ham man’ Ex Chelsea star simply can’t believe what Blues have done.
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