Theo Walcott believes West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is one of the best midfielders at this year’s World Cup alongside England teammate Jude Bellingham.
Rice is currently with the Three Lions in Qatar as they gear up for group stage clashes against Iran, USA, and Wales. England kick-off their quest for World Cup glory on Monday against Iran.
The West Ham central midfielder is expected to play a key role in Gareth Southgate’s squad. Rice has become a familiar name among the starting eleven since making his international debut against the Czech Republic in March 2019.
READ MORE: Declan Rice named among world's best midfielders by Man City hero Sergio Aguero
The 23-year-old has accumulated 34 caps in total and played an integral part in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final and during the qualifiers to reach Qatar. Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero remarked that Rice is one of the best midfielders in the world right now and former England international Theo Walcott agrees with the Argentine.
Walcott also made a bold claim that with Rice and Bellingham in the squad England have the two best midfielders in the tournament. The former Arsenal winger was only 16 when he was called up for the World Cup in 2006 and reflected on that experience as he waxed lyrical about Dortmund teenage star Bellingham.
“I was a kid, who (at the time) didn’t feature in the Premier League. Jude (Bellingham) is a bit of an exception, I would say, he is playing in the Champions League at such a young age and he is being exposed, but playing,” said Walcott, via HITC.
“I was never playing in the Premier League, then I was exposed to the World Cup, then it sort of I was like a rabbit in headlights. It was scary. It was more scary because, my wife right now, was followed by paparazzi continuously. I don’t think it happens anymore. That was just so surreal.
“What I like about the players right now is that they are taking in the media side of it. They want everyone involved. I think you want to be in there with them for the whole journey.
“I think Jude is an exception. I think he’s a future captain as well. I know there will be a bit of competition between him and Declan Rice. I would argue, we have two of the best midfield players going into this tournament.”
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