Declan Rice

Midfielder Declan Rice says he does not let himself get distracted by criticism in the media, especially by pundits that do not watch West Ham every week.

"It's one of those where you take it with a pinch of salt and try not to let it affect you that much. I can take criticism on the chin quite well. "As a group of players, there was a real belief in the room that we can compete with the best but it's down to us now to go that one step ahead and beat a top nation and win a trophy. "There has always been loads of talk around my name. I try not to read too much. But for me, now I'm here, it's about these two fixtures for England and of course when I get back to West Ham it's about playing the best I can for that club to get us out the relegation battle and win the Conference League."

West Ham United captain Declan Rice has spoken out about criticism he has received from former Liverpool midfielder and manager Graeme Souness last month, ...

"You try not to let it affect you that much. I can take criticism on the chin quite well. If it is that way I can see where I can improve." "He [Keane] has said some glowing things about me in the past and sometimes some things I can improve as well. Asked about those comments ahead of being in line to win his 40th England cap against Italy in Naples on Thursday night, Rice felt that the comments were “harsh,” adding that Souness does not watch West Ham on a weekly basis and that he feels the backing in his abilities of those who do watch him regularly. [Daily Mail ](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11737145/GRAEME-SOUNESS-Declan-Rice-end-defender.html)last month, the former Reds captain and Scotland international said that to be a top midfielder you have to be able to defend, create goals and score goals, adding that he is only good at defending and that he can see the Hammers captain turning into a centre-back later on in his career.

Gareth Southgate's side won 2-1 in Naples thanks to goals from Rice and Harry Kane, who became England's all-time leading goal scorer. Rice did well to poke ...

'Terrible defending for the goal, but he’s alive to it. [Gareth Southgate](/sport/gareth-southgate/index.html)'s side won 2-1 in Naples in their Euro 2024 qualifying opener thanks to goals from Rice and Harry Kane, [who became England's all-time leading goal scorer with his strike](/sport/football/article-11895999/Harry-Kane-overtakes-Wayne-Rooney-Englands-time-leading-goal-scorer.html). The goal saw Rice poke in from inside the box after good play from Kane after a Bukayo Saka corner. Joe Cole said Rice was 'the best player by a mile' as England defended well to see out the win Rice did well to poke home the opening in the first half after good work from England at a corner. 'Declan Rice was the best player on the pitch by a MILE': Joe Cole heaps praise on England midfielder after his goal and commanding performance in 2-1 win against Italy in Naples

The West Ham captain is expecting a hostile atmosphere in Naples for Thursday's opening Euro 2024 qualifier.

The pressure, that’s what you’re here for and I’m really looking to embrace it all.” “It’s a massive game [for England], and when I get back to the club it’s a massive game against Southampton [that] I’m really looking forward to. We’re in a hostile city, a hostile stadium and we’re ready to go out there.

Harry Kane became Englands all-time record goalscorer as England beat Italy 2-1 in their first Euro 2024 Qualifier; Declan Rice was also on target while ...

Came on in a period of the game where Italy were on top. Really struggled to get into the game in the time that he was on the pitch. As the game became stretched, he showed some good touches in possession and his physicality helped Italy disrupt England's rhythm. Like many of his team-mates he endured a difficult first half but had some superb touches in the second. Plenty of bite in the tackle from the PSG midfielder, as you'd expect, but the 30-year-old struggled to have an impact in the first half as England dominated the midfield battle. Helped turn the game in Italy's favour. Improved as Italy grew into the game in the second half, but was booked for stopping a potential England counter before being replaced by Tonali. Italy's captain for the night in the absence of Leonardo Bonucci. Combined brilliantly with England's supporting forwards in the first half and continued to work tirelessly in the second. Italy's midfield had a torrid first half with the likes of Barella unable to get on the ball and dictate play. Came under pressure in the first half as England attacked with pace and energy. Largely assured in the first half, save for one early lapse.

HARRY KANE'S record-breaking goal proved decisive in a historic victory - but only just.The England captain's penalty late in the first half took.

In the right place at the right time all night. That was mostly his bread and butter of nicking the ball away at important moments, but also took the opening goal well. Confidence grew enough for him to have a decent shot just wide as England took control. Limited Italian threat in first half came down his side. Not nearly as effective in the second as the tide turned. Solid and tidy at the back in the first half after hesitant start. But caught out as Italy hit back through Retegui and booked for a foul in the build-up. More vulnerable in second half as England lost grip on the game and began defending deeper. The England captain’s penalty late in the first half In the second, the familiar failings of not keeping possession and inviting opponents on to them almost cost them dear. Declan Rice was England’s man of the match, not so much for his opening goal but for his consistent high standards in a real game of two halves. [holding on for their first win in Italy since 1961](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21819249/kane-breaks-scoring-record-england-italy-win/) as the hosts stepped it up after the break and Luke Shaw was sent off.

Declan Rice has hit back at "harsh" criticism from Graeme Souness, claiming that the Sky Sports pundit "doesn't watch West Ham every week".

Rice will be in line to start when England face Italy in their opening 2024 European Championship qualifier in Naples on Thursday. I’m sure he’ll end up at a top side.” The Paris Saint-Germain star will come up against Rice once again in Euro 2024 qualifying, and ahead of their latest clash has backed “He provides great balance to the team and has wonderful physical attributes. You take it with a pinch of salt and try not to let it affect you." The England international has now issued a direct response to the criticism, defending his all-round game while iclaiming he has been the model of consistency for the Hammers.