West Ham United star Declan Rice has been named in a supposedly leaked England starting XI for the Nations League clash against Holland.
The West Ham midfield ace was the best player aged under 21 in his position in Europe last season.
There has been much controversy over leaked team news in the England camp this week.
That centered around details of Raheem Sterling’s captaincy getting into the press two days before the game.
Team news leaks spark backlash
Sky Sports and a number of betting channels claim to have had details of the team that will start the semi-final clash in Portugal.
And West Ham hero Rice has made the cut according to widespread claims.
It comes as Liverpool Champions League winner Jordan Henderson drops to the bench. Harry Kane will join him there after losing that game last weekend.
Some fans have hit out at the decision to publish the leaked team news. Many feel it is detrimental to the England team’s chances of success and undermines Gareth Southgate’s plans.
Many outlets have decided against publishing the leaked team or have removed it. But the team news appears to be out of the bag regardless with Rice and Marcus Rashford replacing Henderson and Kane.
Rice replaces Henderson
West Ham fans have taken great joy watching Rice’s emergence as an outstanding holding midfielder.
The Hammers favourite has been compared to Javier Mascherano by his West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini (whufc.com).
He has also been likened to Roy Keane and Sergio Busquets.
Now he looks set to get his big chance in one of England’s most important games for years as they aim to lift some long overdue silverware.
But news that Rice looks set to start has not convinced rival fans.
Declan doubters about to be proved wrong
It appears many still remain sceptical of his quality. That’s despite his outstanding performances in the Premier League for West Ham. Rice has also been heavily linked with elite clubs such as Manchester City and Manchester United.
Twitter was flooded with messages from fans of rival clubs questioning Rice’s ability, many labelling him as average.
That riled some West Ham fans who stuck up for their charge and even predicted he would be man of the match for the game.
Given his imperious performances since breaking into senior football Rice will no doubt prove all his doubters wrong tonight.
One thing is certain none of them are West Ham fans.
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