West Ham United star Declan Rice is set to make his England debut in the next week after his first call-up (The Mirror).
Rice caused a stir when he elected to switch allegiance to the Three Lions from Ireland.
The world and its wife seems to have had their say on the issue.
Focused Rice concentrating on his job
But Rice has kept his head down and kept up his superb season in the centre of West Ham’s midfield.
At just 20 years of age the huge focus on Rice, in such a crucial position, is a big burden.
Indeed all the extra attention he will receive will undoubtedly raise his profile to new heights.
That will be an understandable concern for West Ham fans and England boss Gareth Southgate.
Rising profile a worry for Hammers fans and Southgate?
For Hammers supporters they will worry Rice may attract the attention of elite clubs if he performs at the highest level for the national side.
And Southgate will be hoping the attention does not go to Rice’s head.
But Rice’s West Ham teammate and close friend Ryan Fredericks has spoken out to reassure both.
“It’s (the England call-up) is definitely deserved,” Fredericks told whufc.com.
‘Call-up won’t change humble Dec’
“I think from the start of the season he’s probably been our best player, our most consistent player.
“He trains great every day and he’s a good lad too – humble, even though he’s getting all these accolades, so credit to him and I wish him all the best.
“Getting called up won’t change him, definitely not. He’s signed new deals and things like that but he still drives the same car, he still lives at home with his parents. He’s not flash or anything like that, so that’s probably why everyone’s so happy for him as well.”
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