West Ham news: Robinson ‘worried’ about Declan Rice after Sky update
Paul Robinson is “worried” West Ham midfielder Declan Rice may miss out on the World Cup quarter-final against France.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said the 23-year-old would be missed on the evidence of his performances thus far.
As reported by Sky Sports (December), Rice missed training because of illness on Wednesday.
Gareth Southgate’s side face France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in just two days time.
Rice has started all of England’s fixtures thus far and was expected to start Saturday’s fixture.
When asked by Football Insider for his reaction to the latest news from the England camp, Robinson said: “It is worrying to hear that he missed training.
“I thought he was very good against Senegal. That midfield looked very well balanced and rounded.
“I think Rice plays differently when he has [Jordan] Henderson next to him. Rice is the deeper one of the three midfielders. Henderson goes forward and Rice protects the back four.
“I thought he covered the ground really well. I think he suits playing in a midfield three. Make no mistake about it, he would be a miss if he’s available for Saturday.”
Rice played alongside Henderson and Jude Bellingham in the 3-0 win over Senegal.
Kalvin Phillips would likely replace Rice if he fails to recover in time for the weekend’s game.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed West Ham could now emulate a ‘big’ Arsenal deal and attract new generation of fans.