Declan Rice: Southgate reveals England decision as West Ham fans fume over Eric Dier
DECLAN RICE was left on the bench for England tonight - and some West Ham were furious about the decision not to start the youngster - who eventually came on as a substitute.
We need some of our leaders on the field and some stability
Gareth Southgate
And Southgate explained before kick off why Rice did not start.
"Declan Rice has trained really well but he has only had a few days with us,” he said.
“We need some of our leaders on the field and some stability.”
Yet some West Ham fans were not happy Rice was denied a full debut in west London.
Declan Rice started on the bench for England behind Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier (Image: PA)
Jordan Henderson gets the nod for England (Image: PA)
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Eric Dier also starts for England (Image: PA)
Rice, Henderson and Dier were trending on Twitter ahead of kick off.
One West Ham fan tweeted: “HAHAHAHAHAH WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE ERIC DIER IS BEING CHOSEN AHEAD OF DECLAN RICE”
Another said: “Dier shouldn't be in the squad never mind starting over Rice.”
England face Czech Republic tonight (Image: PA)
A third put: “Rice should be in over Dier or Henderson tbf”
A fourth commented: “Dier and Henderson. That's just so deflating.”
And a fifth tweeted: “A bit not convinced about Henderson/ Dier CM pairing.. in fact never. Totally did nothing against Croatia. Was really hoping to see Declan Rice getting a start”
Jordan Henderson started for England at Wembley (Image: REUTERS)
Euro 2020: Declan Rice discusses England call up
Incidentally, Dier was injured just 13 minutes into the game.
And while he was receiving treatment Rice could be seen warning up on the touchline - just in case he were to be called upon.
Tottenham star Dier gingerly returned to the field before eventually being subbed off.
Yet it was Ross Barkley who replaced the midfielder!
Declan Rice eventually got game time for England (Image: EPA)
Declan Rice celebrates an England goal (Image: EPA)
Rice did eventually get on the pitch to earn his first England cap.
He came on for Alli with 27 minutes of the game remaining.
And the 20-year-old helped the Three Lions score two final goals in the 5-0 thrashing of Czech Republic.