The Arsenal legend thinks Rice may not be ready for England yet, but some Hammers faithful disagree.
Former England international Lee Dixon caused some controversy amongst West Ham United fans this week when he suggested Declan Rice may not yet be ready for a spot in the Three Lions squad.
The 20-year-old has been sensational for his club this season, making 27 appearances in all competitions, of which 23 have been Premier League starts (Transfermarkt), testament to his talent and maturity at the highest level.
Rice began the 2018-19 season with uncertainty on two fronts but those have been extinguished, much to the delight of Hammers fans with his long-term contract and also to England, the midfielder opting to represent the nation of his birth instead of the Republic of Ireland.
Dixon, who won 28 caps for England and also made more than 400 appearances for Arsenal, told BBC Sport on Monday on the subject of Rice: “I definitely think he is an asset for England.
“But it is the same thing with the media – as soon as plays three or four games and is playing well, we’re throwing him in the England team and making him the best player in the world. Let him develop on his own. Whether he is in this squad or not, it might be a bit too early for him.”
Given just how impressive Rice has been this season over more than three or four games, not to mention making 15 Premier League starts in 2017/18 (Transfermarkt), Dixon’s comments weren’t well received by some Hammers faithful.
Here is how some West Ham fans reacted on Twitter:
England are in action next month when they contest two Euro 2020 qualifiers, against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.
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