DEC AT THE WHEEL

Rice urged to drive final push

DAVID MOYES wants Euro 2020 finalist Declan Rice to lead West Ham into the Europa League final.

The Hammers head into their semi-final second-leg showdown with Eintracht Frankfurt needing to wipe out the Germans’ single-goal advantage.

Rice, 23, was part of the England team beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley last July and West Ham boss Moyes believes his leadership will be vital in the bearpit of the Deutsche Bank Park.

Moyes said: “We mustn’t put too much on the young boy’s shoulders but he’s such a quality player.

“I challenge him a lot.We need to get a whole-team performance. We need Dec to drive us on but play with a steady head.”

West Ham have lost their past three games, but Frankfurt have won only one of their past 10 home matches. The Hammers also came from behind to beat six-time winners Sevilla in the knockout stages and pulled off a shock 3-0 win at Lyon in the quarter-finals.

Moyes wants to reach this month’s final to give his 86-year-old Dad, David Snr, a memory to treasure. He said: “My brother Kenny’s bringing him and it’s great he can see us at this stage. I hope we give him a night to remember.” Winning the final would also earn the Hammers a place in the Champions League next season and Moyes, who took over in December 2019 with the club 17th in the Premier League, believes that would be transformative. But he also feels the perception of the Irons has changed already. “Champions League football would be huge,” he said. “The climb has probably been a bit fast. But the biggest thing is the mentality change in the players. It’s a new West Ham now – and I don’t want to go back. “We’ve had Sir Trevor Brooking and the players in the past who are still talked about. But I’m hoping a new generation of supporters will be talking about Bowen, Rice and the young players who are the future for West Ham. Hopefully those fans will be in Seville [at the final] in a couple of weeks’ time.”