Everton’s Michael Keane and West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice are currently on international duty with England.
Everton defender Michael Keane has admitted that it has been ‘harder’ for West Ham United’s Declan Rice following his decision to switch allegiances.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who previously turned out for the Republic of Ireland, will be looking to earn his first England cap on Friday.
The Three Lions take on the Czech Republic and Montenegro in their Euro 2020 qualifiers, with Everton’s senior ace and West Ham’s youngster hoping to get minutes under their belts.
Keane, who played for the Ireland youngsters, is hoping that others can now concentrate on Rice’s ‘talent’ on the pitch rather than what he decided to do off it.
“Yeah, definitely. I have some sympathy for him,” said Keane, as quoted by the Daily Mail. “’It’s not an easy decision, it wasn’t for me at the time, so I can only imagine it’s harder for him.
“But it’s one of them things. He’s made a decision, we’re happy that he’s here and hopefully now people can now just forget that and let him prove his talent on the football pitch.”
It remains to be seen what formation Gareth Southgate picks and whether or not Rice will earn his first start.
Keane arguably faces the tougher task of breaking into England’s backline because he hasn’t been a regular for Southgate.
Given Rice’s form at the London Stadium this season, he could find himself pushing ahead of the likes of Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier in the pecking order.
The Hammers star has arguably been the best performing number six in the country, but Southgate may opt to stick with experience.
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