West Ham’s rising star Declan Rice has finally announced himself on the international stage after scoring his maiden goal against Iceland.
The West Ham midfielder was called up to the England squad yet again after impressing Gareth Southgate in previous performances. Declan Rice has cemented himself in the Three Lions first team with his consistent defensive performances.
Rice has been receiving some criticism from fans who expect an England International to score goals and provide assists regardless of their position. After thirteen appearances Rice has had the final laugh. Playing against Iceland, the Englishman scored his first goal for the Three Lions.
In the twentieth minute, Jack Grealish won a free-kick 25-yards from goal on the corner of the box. Some players looked to think about shooting; instead, Phil Foden clipped in a perfect cross. Rice met the cross with a glancing header/shoulder past Ogmundur Kristinsson in the Iceland goal. The goal will no doubt add to his market value, something that Chelsea will have to take note of if they still want to try and sign him.
Watch the goal below.
#WHUFC midfielder Declan Rice grabs his first England goal, giving the hosts the lead against Iceland! ⚒pic.twitter.com/JD6IkK5cMA
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 18, 2020
The goal also broke an almost 100-year-old record. Rice’s effort is the first England goal scored by an international footballer who has also played for another country since 1930 (excluding own-goals). Ninety years ago Gordon Hodgson completed the same achievement after scoring for England and South Africa.
Rice’s England career got off to a rocky start when he announced he was switching allegiance from Ireland to play for the Three Lions. But after netting his first goal and becoming a permanent fixture of the side, it appears that his decision has been vindicated.
England went on to win the game by a comfortable four-goal margin, even Rice’s childhood friend Mason Mount was on the scoresheet. The two were in the Blues academy together and have remained firm friends ever since.
The goal scored by Rice is the first England goal by a West Ham player since Matthew Upson. The defender netted against Germany in the round of 16 of the 2010 World Cup.