Joe Cole has heaped praise on Declan Rice following England's win over Italy while acknowledging that Harry Kane will steal the limelight. The Tottenham striker doubled his country's lead just moments before half-time, overtaking Wayne Rooney as the Three Lions' all-time top goalscorer.
While the vast majority of pundits and fans were quick to give Kane his flowers, and rightfully so, Cole hailed the West Ham captain as the 'best player on the pitch by a mile'. Rice has been subject to criticism from Graeme Souness and Roy Keane recently for his inability to score as many goals as a world-class midfielder should.
Eager to respond to his critics, the Arsenal and Chelsea target handed England the lead against Italy inside the opening quarter of an hour. Speaking on Channel Four, Cole said: "He was magnificent tonight, best player on the pitch by a mile.
