Declan Rice lauded for his response to pro-IRA posts and tipped for England captaincy by West Ham chairman David Gold

Declan Rice lauded for his response to pro-IRA posts and tipped for England captaincy by West Ham chairman David Gold
West Ham joint chairman David Gold has backed Declan Rice to become England captain in the future, believing the Three Lions’ latest debutant can be the new Bobby Moore.Rice, 20, has quickly emerged as one of the Hammers’ most valuable players this season and his exploits at the London Stadium earned him an England call-up.4

Declan Rice can become an England legend, according to David Gold

But the midfielder’s journey to Gareth Southgate’s starting XI has been a turbulent one after he switched international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland.Last week, historic social media posts emerged showing Rice appearing to declare support for the IRA.Nonetheless, he was given a warm ovation on his debut at Wembley during last Friday’s 5-0 win over the Czech Republic, before Rice started the 5-1 victory in Montenegro. And West Ham’s joint-owner Gold believes Rice will continue to overcome obstacles and become an England legend, having been impressed by the youngster’s response to the unearthing of his old Twitter posts.He told The Sun: The important thing is that he didnt hide from it. He apologised and recognised it as a mistake.He has handled it well and now its over. He is growing into a man now. He was 14 or 15 when he said those things. We all said silly stuff at that age.4

David Gold expects big things from Declan Rice

West Ham supporters will only worry about his performance for England and how these past few days will most definitely be of huge benefit to their club.The West Ham fans are craving a new hero and theyve got one in Declan. He is special, no question about it.“He is an England captain of the future in my mind.And Gold believes there are similarities between Rice and one of England’s greatest ever captains.

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Bobby Moore, a West Ham legend, is the only Three Lions skipper to lift the World Cup, but Gold believes the sky is the limit for Rice.He has a long way to go for sure but there are similarities between Declan andBobby Moore. I saw Bobby when he first turned out at Upton Park.After 20 minutes I turned to my brother and said I thought this guy was a bit slow. An hour later I was watching Bobby glide across the pitch.4

Bobby Moore kisses the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966

Declan is calm, assured. He floats like Bobby Moore did. I also noticed that it didnt take him long to be yelling at more senior players during the game.He grew into the game on Monday night particularly. We must remember he is only 20.“But this recent experience will really mature him. By this time next year in football terms he will be a 25-year-old.4

Declan Rice impressed on his full England debut

He will have gained so much confidence from playing for England.“The ten goals in two matches will be a massive boost too. He has been accelerated down his career path thanks to a brave decision by the England manager to blood all these youngsters.I get it why the tweets were big news. Its a tetchy subject. But now we move on, its over. West Ham fans wont be interested in silly comments from a silly young man in his teens.Its now about the next stage of his career and being a hero for his club.

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