West Ham United captain Declan Rice had a night to remember for England in Naples on Thursday against Italy.
The Hammers’ skipper opened the scoring with his third senior international goal against the Italians, helping the Three Lions to seal their first win in Italy since May 1961 and a win in their opening qualifying match for the 2024 European Championships.
While Tottenham Hotspur striker and England captain Harry Kane grabbed the headlines as his first half penalty sealed victory and became England’s all-time leading goalscorer in the process, Rice entered an exclusive club by winning his 40th cap.
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By reaching 40 international caps, Rice became only the fourth player to reach that total in a West Ham shirt, joining some very illustrious company in the list.
Of the three other players that are on the list, two are World Cup winners. Centre-back Bobby Moore (108 caps) and striker Geoff Hurst (49 caps) were both part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning side, with midfielder Trevor Brooking (47 caps) completing the list.
Given the reports linking Rice with a summer transfer exit away from West Ham, he may not get the chance to overtake Brooking before leaving the London Stadium, but to reach 40 caps at the age of 24 is still a remarkable achievement.
Most England caps while playing for West Ham United :
Bobby Moore - 108 caps
Geoff Hurst - 49 caps
Trevor Brooking - 47 caps
Declan Rice - 40 caps
Martin Peters - 33 caps
David James - 17 caps
Alvin Martin - 17 caps
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