Declan Rice has won the official England MOTM award by a landslide after the West Ham star dominated Italy.
West Ham fans knew Declan Rice was special from the moment they laid eyes on him in the first team.
It may have taken the rest of England and the world time to wake up to the Hammers talisman’s supreme talent.
But now there is absolutely no denying the West Ham midfielder’s class and value – despite the recent negative narrative surrounding Rice from certain pundits.
The fact Rice ran the show against the European champions in their own back yard to secure a first win on Italian soil for decades says everything.
On the same night Spurs star Harry Kane became England’s all-time leading scorer.
Even that could not sway the vote when it came to deciding the man of the match, though.
Because Rice wins the official England MOTM award by a landslide after the West Ham star dominates Italy.
The Three Lions posted their official MOTM vote on social media last night with Kane, Rice, Jude Bellingham and John Stones the options.
And West Ham’s captain is cruising to the award with – at the time of writing on Friday morning – a massive 44% of the vote.
Bellingham came closest with 28% but Rice will deservedly have another award to add to his collection. You can vote and see the live result in the post below.
Declan Rice wins official England MOTM award by a landslide after West Ham star dominates Italy
Rice scored a rare goal and put in a man of the match display for England as they beat Italy 2-1.
Besides the coolly taken finish, Rice was absolutely everywhere. Midfield great Steven Gerrard said it best during the live coverage on Channel 4 when he waxed lyrical about how the West Ham star had dominated and controlled the game.
Former Hammer Joe Cole described Rice as ‘the best player on the pitch’ after the game.
With ridiculously harsh criticism from the likes of Graeme Souness and Roy Keane still ringing in his ears, Rice was praised by classy Italy captain Marco Verratti.
There was never any doubt about who the man of the match was. But these votes can often be hijacked by fans of certain clubs.
Rice will likely start again when England face Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday.
And then it is back to a gruelling and high pressure schedule with West Ham.
He must bring this kind of form back to the Hammers because the club need it if they are to stay in the Premier League.
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