Hammer Rice is Lions’ Mr Reliable

THE individual landmark that caught the eye at Wembley on Sunday was Kyle Walker’s 50th cap and the defender put on a display worthy of the achievement.

But not far behind was a player winning only his 10th cap, but already establishing himself as one of Gareth Southgate’s most reliable performers.

Declan Rice, 21, has long been a foundation of West Ham’s team, now he is becoming a go-to guy for the England boss.

Unless injury intervenes, Rice (right) already looks a guaranteed starter at next year’s European Championship, having settled serenely into international football.

Does he already feel like a mainstay of the squad?

“Yeah, definitely,” Rice said. “When I first came in, I was a bit nervous, but I’m feeling more and more at home every time. The lads have got such a bond and, even on the pitch, they make me feel so confident and so comfortable.”

And Rice is clearly comfortable in his role as a central holding midfielder and said: “I’ve now had two full seasons at West Ham playing in the middle. In every game I’ve played so far for England, I’ve played in the middle. I love playing there.

“I see myself as a holding midfielder, but I’ll never rule myself out of going into a back three or four. I’m confident to slot in there.”

Rice does not underestimate the significance of beating such an elite nation as Belgium either.

He added: “They had world-class players all over the pitch. It was a great test. We were digging in deep, stood firm, and at times played some great stuff. They are the No.1 team in the world and that’s where we’re aiming to be.”