There was a strong reaction to Declan Rice’s performance against Everton

Robert Redmond

A really mature performance.

Declan Rice returned to action for West Ham United on Sunday afternoon and showed why there are two countries interested in securing his international allegiance.

The 19-year-old made his second start of the Premier League season. He helped the Hammers to their first victory, and points, of the campaign, as Manuel Pellegrini’s team beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park.

Andriy Yarmolenko scored twice and Marko Arnautovic got the third after Gylfi Sigurdsson reduced the deficit before half-time.

Rice was one of the main talking points from the match. The Londoner came into the starting line-up following an injury to Jack Wilshere and was very effective in protecting West Ham’s previously rickety defence.

Rice played alongside Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang in midfield and didn’t really put a foot wrong. He was neat in possession and helped keep the home side quiet with several blocks, tackles and interceptions.

Rice’s display showed why he is so highly rated. It’s rare to see a teenager put in such a disciplined and mature performance in central midfield in a Premier League game.

Rice is still deliberating over his international future.

He has played three times for the Republic of Ireland senior team. But as they were only friendlies, he can still switch allegiance to England, the country of his birth.

England manager Gareth Southgate has said that he contacted Rice about potentially playing for the country. The 19-year-old asked to be omitted from Ireland’s recent squad as he takes some time to decide his next move.

Martin O’Neill explains why Declan Rice hasn’t been included in the Ireland squad

Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland was at Goodison Park on Sunday and Rice’s performance surely caught his eye.

Declan Rice vs Everton:

• 2 blocks
• 3 clearances
• 4/5 tackles won
• 6 duels won
• 11 Ball Recoveries
• 82% pass completion

What a performance ⚒

[via @PremLeaguePanel] pic.twitter.com/3BRu28GP3B

— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) September 16, 2018

“I’m sure he’ll be impressed with him,” Jamie Carragher said on commentary for Sky Sports when the topic of Holland scouting Rice came up during the game.

People at home were very impressed with Rice’s display.

Hope Gareth Southgate is watching, because @_DeclanRice is having a fabulous game

— Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) September 16, 2018

https://twitter.com/Ollie_WHUFC/status/1041358213743030272

https://twitter.com/DaveLittle60/status/1041358246257340416

Very impressed with Declan rice. Very assured young player.

— SCOTTY (@ST_WOOLYBACK) September 16, 2018

Also really good: Declan Rice.

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) September 16, 2018

England assistant manager Holland in stand reckon Declan Rice wil be called into English squad next time

— Joe Cassidy Athlone (@JoeCassidyIRE) September 16, 2018

Whats @SkySportsPL agenda with Declan Rice. The lad has played for Ireland has made no decision otherwise yet they show him and then go to steve holland England asst manager.

— Keith Byrne 🇮🇪 (@byrnesy10) September 16, 2018

Declan rice England call up inbound

— James Cole (@JamesCole__) September 16, 2018

From what I’ve seen of West Ham today all I can say is Declan rice for England 🙌🏻 if it’s not to late I have no idea?

— Gooner4Life 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇫🇮 (@AFC_Rikki) September 16, 2018

https://twitter.com/tedforbes11/status/1041359124934664193

https://twitter.com/Paul__Ring/status/1041359593417441281