Paul Dickov admits he is surprised by the intelligence of West Ham ace Declan Rice

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West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has been called up to the England senior squad for the first time.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Dickov has claimed that he is ‘surprised’ by the intelligence of West Ham ace Declan Rice after he earned his first call-up to the England national squad.

Gareth Southgate named the 20-year-old in his squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers later on this month after he opted to switch allegiances from the Republic of Ireland, as reported by BBC Sport.

Midfielder Rice will be looking to make his debut for the Three Lions as they take on the Czech Republic on home soil before travelling to Montenegro.

Speaking to the Debate show on Sky Sports Premier League (12/03/2019 10:55 pm), Dickov made a claim about Rice as he expressed his opinion ‘in the nicest possible way’.

“I think he has been fantastic,” Dickov told Sky Sports. “I just want to know if he gets his FAI award first. You look at the West Ham team and the talents they have got, he’s probably been their best player all year at such a young age.

“He made a big decision. One of the biggest things that surprised me is how intelligent he is. I mean that in the nicest possible way. You hear him talk, how he handled the transition of saying he wanted to play for England instead of Ireland.

“Such a maturity about him and that comes across in how he plays and he is one of the best players in that position.”

It has been a season to remember for Rice, who has come through the ranks at Upton Park and will be hoping to make a name for himself in the colours of Claret & Blue in years to come.

After being deployed in a back three by then-manager David Moyes last season, Rice was moved in front of a back four this term and into a number six role by Manuel Pellegrini.

It is fair to say that the highly-rated youngster has not looked back because he has showcased his ability to protect the back four, sense danger, be calm on the ball and build attacks.

For England, Rice will now compete with the likes of Tottenham’s Eric Dier, Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson and Manchester City’s Fabian Delph for that defensive role in the middle of the park.